GIFT OF
A. P. Morrison

Rabbits, Cats and Cavies

a

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

RABBITS CATS

AND

CAVIES

DESCRIPTIVE SKETCHES OF ALL

RECOGNISED EXHIBITION VARIETIES

WITH MANY ORIGINAL ANECDOTES

BY

C. H. LANE, RZ.S

AUTHOR OF "ALL ABOUT DOGS," ETC.

WITH OVER 100 ILLUSTRATIONS FROM LIFE STUDIES
OF PRIZE WINNERS

BY

ROSA BEBB

NEW YORK
E. P. DUTTON AND COMPANY

31 WEST TWENTY-THIRD STREET
1903

QIBT OF

TO

HARRISON WEIR, F.R.H.S.

WHO, BY PEN AND PENCIL, HAS DONE SO MUCH DURING
THE LAST HALF CENTURY TO INCULCATE A LOVE
OF ANIMAL LIFE, THIS BOOK IS MOST RESPECT-
FULLY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR. MAY
HE LONG CONTINUE THE USEFUL AND
BENEFICENT WORK WHICH HAS
AFFORDED PLEASURE TO
SO MANY.

M94383

PREFACE

HAVING been from his earliest remembrance a lover and fancier
of many kinds of pet animals, the subjects treated of in these
pages have been the most numerous and perhaps excepting
dogs only, by far the most interesting, in the writer's possession.

As in the several capacities of breeder, exhibitor and
occasional judge, great numbers of these little animals have
come under the writer's notice, some detailed descriptions of
the several varieties with particulars of the standards of
perfection to be aimed at by breeders may be useful to the
increasing number of persons of both sexes, and in all ranks of
life, forming the exhibiting public.

For this purpose the writer has drawn upon a life-long
experience, introducing many original and other anecdotes
which may be of interest to his readers.

The illustrations have all been made specially from life studies
for this work, and executed by a skilful and sympathetic artist,
who is fortunately also a fancier, and has taken the keenest
interest in the subject.

It is believed that such a collection of portraits of high-class

Vll

viii PREFACE

and typical specimens has never before appeared in any one book
on the subject, and it is hoped these illustrations may assist the
readers in appreciating the points of the several varieties depicted.
The opinions herein expressed are almost without exception
the writer's. They have been formed by practical and dearly-
bought experience, as in all transactions, whether of breeding,
buying, selling or judging, he has made it a rule to rely on
his own judgment, so that no one else is responsible for any
mistakes made, nor thanks due to others for successes attained.

CONTENTS

:HAP. .

PREFACE ...... vn

RABBITS
i. INTRODUCTORY ...... 3

n. The Lop ...... 21

in. The Belgian Hare . . . . . 3°

iv. Standard of Excellence for the Heavy Weight Belgian

Hare ...... 41

v. The Black and Tan Rabbit . . . .48

vi. The Patagonian Rabbit . . -53

vii. The Japanese Rabbit ... .58

vin. The Polish Rabbit ..... 62

ix. The Siberian Rabbit . . 68

x. The Flemish Giant Rabbit . . 72

xi. The Himalayan Rabbit . . . -77

xii. The Dutch Rabbit . . . 83

xin. The Angora Rabbit . , . .

xiv. The English Rabbit ..... 93

xv. The Silver Grey Rabbit . . • 98

xvi. The Silver Fawn or Cream Rabbit . . .108

xvn. The Silver Brown Rabbit . . 1 1 3

xvm. Concluding Remarks on Rabbits . . .118

CATS

xix. LONG-HAIRED — White Cat . . . .131

Black Cat . . . 134

Blue Cat . 137

Cream Cat .139

xx. LONG-HAIRED — Chinchilla Cat . . . .142

Brown Tabby Cat . . 144

Silver Tabby Cat . . 147

Red or Orange Tabby Cat . 1 50

xxi. LONG-HAIRED — Smoke Cat . . . .153

Tortoiseshell Cat . .156

Any Other Variety . 1 59
ix

x CONTENTS

CHAP. PAGE

xxn. SHORT-HAIRED — Black Cat . . . .161

White Cat .' . , .163

Blue Cat . . .166

xxiii. SHORT-HAIRED — Red Tabby Cat . . .169

Silver Tabby Cat . . .172

Brown Tabby Cat . . .175

Spotted Tabby Cat . . .178

Narrow Striped Tabby Cat . . 181

xxvi. SHORT-HAIRED — Smoke-Coloured Cat . . .184

Black and White Cat . . . 186

White and Black Cat . . .188

Tabby and White Cat . . .191

xxv. SHORT-HAIRED — Tortoiseshell Cat . . .194

Tortoiseshell and White Cat . .196

Manx Cat . . . .199

Abyssinian Cat . . . 203
Siamese Cat .... 205

Mexican Hairless Cat . . . 209

Indian Cat . . . .211

xxvi. SHORT-HAIRED — Wild Cat . . . .213

Any Other Variety . . .218

xxvn. A Few Words on Cats in General . . .220

xxvni. Anecdotes about Cats . . . . .226

xxix. „ ...... 237

xxx. „ „ . 251

xxxi. „ „ . . . »•• . 266

CAVIES

xxxn. Peruvian Cavies . . . . .285

xxxm. Abyssinian Cavies ..... 292

xxxiv. Bolivian or English Cavies . . . . 298

Bolivian Self-Coloured Cavies .... 299

Bolivian or English Agouti Cavies . . .301

„ „ Tortoiseshell Cavies . . 302

„ „ Tortoiseshell and White Cavies . 304

„ „ Dutch-marked Cavies . . 306

„ „ Any Other Variety . .307

INDEX . . *' , . . .311

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

Group of British and Foreign Cats . . ,: Frontispiece

Headpiece to Rabbit Section — Group of Rabbits . . 20

Lop-eared Rabbit — " Ch. May-field Surprise." Owners, Messrs

Chadwick and Tuckett » . .24

Lop-eared Rabbit — "Ch. Coronation." Owner, W. C. E.

Dibble . . . . . 24

Belgian Hare Rabbit — "Ch. Fashoda." Owners, Bonanza

Rabbitry, Los Angeles . . . • 33

Belgian Hare Rabbit — "Ch. Dash." Owners, Meadowbrook

B. H. Co., Los Angeles . . . . 33

Belgian Hare Rabbit — " Ch. Priory Prince." Owner, E. H.

Guy . . . , . . .41

Belgian Hare Rabbit — " Lord Lurgan." Owners, Lord

Lurgan Rabbitry, Los Angeles . . . .41

Belgian Hare Rabbit — " Sir Styles." Owners, Messrs

Westbrook and Brown, Los Angeles . .. ,44

Belgian Hare Rabbit—" Lady Di." Owner, C. H. Lane • --I 44
Black and Tan Rabbit — " Ideal." Owner, Rev. W. Mathias . 48
Blue and Tan Rabbit— "Ch. President Lincoln." Owners

Messrs Ovenden and Fawcett . * • '.• ... 48

Japanese Rabbit — Typical Specimen • . . •• 5^

Patagonian Rabbit — Typical Specimen . . . 58

Polish Rabbit — Great prize winner. Owner, Geo. Dickinson . 64
Polish Rabbit—" Lord Richard." Owner, C. H. Lane : .- 64
Siberian Rabbit — Typical Specimen . . . .72

Flemish Giant Rabbit — "Ch. Lady Beatrice." Owner, A.

Merry, Junior . . . . . . » 72

Flemish Giant Rabbit — "Victoria." Owner, S. R. Turk . 77
Himalayan Rabbit — "Chall. Cup Winner. Owner, F. Avard . 77
Himalayan Rabbit — "Larry Carter." Owner, C. H. Lane . 83

xi

xii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

Dutch, Black Rabbit— "Ch. Bonus." Owner, J. Malley . 83
Dutch, Tortoiseshell Rabbit — "Ch. Sensation." Owners,

Messrs Mason and South . . . .87

Dutch, Blue Rabbit— " Little Boy Blue." Owner, C. H.

Lane ....... 87

Angora White Rabbit — " Ch. Quality." Owner, E. J. Sands 90
Angora White Rabbit— " Ch. Elegance." Owner, Miss W.

Kimmins ...... 90

English Rabbit — "Ch. Matchless." Owners, Messrs Cunliffe

and Son ...... 94

English Rabbit — " Ch. Majestic." Owner, Albert Tottle . 94
English Rabbit — " Lyric." Owner, C. H. Lane . . 97

Silver Grey Dark Rabbit— " Ch. Model." Owner, T. A.

Luck . . . . . . . 97

Silver Grey Medium Rabbit — " Ch. Darling Ethel." Owners,

Messrs Oddy and Son . . . . .102

Silver Grey Light Rabbit — " Lord Grey." Owner, C. H. Lane 102
Silver Fawn Rabbit — "Ch. Orange Queen." Owners, Messrs

Barkham and Stone . . . . .112

Silver Fawn Rabbit— "Ch. Lincoln Hero." Owner, T. A.

Luck . . . . . . .112

Silver Brown Rabbit — " Ch. First Favourite." Owners,

Messrs Tee and Son . . . . .116

Silver Brown Rabbit — "Little Goldmine." Owners, Messrs

Tee and Son . . . . . .116

Headpiece to Cat Section — Group of Cats . . .128

Long-haired White Cat— "Ch. White Heather." Owner,

Hon. Mrs McL. Morrison . . . .131

Long-haired Cream Cat — "Ch. Ronaldkirk Midshipmite."

Owner, Miss Beale . . . . •' I33

Long-haired Black— "Ch. Neptune." Owner, H. W. H.

Warner . . . . . • *33

Long-haired Black Cat— "King Lear." Owner, C. H.

Lane . . . . . . .135

Long-haired Blue Cat — "Ch. Wooloomooloo." Owner, Mrs

Dean . . . * . , 137

Long-haired Blue Cat — "Ch. Holmwood Skittles." Owner,

Miss Jay . . . . . .138

Long-haired Blue Cat— "Ch. Mabel of Lozells." Owner, C.

W. Witt ...... 138

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xiii

PAGE

Long-haired White Neuter Cat — " Laurel Shah." Owner, C.

H. Lane .... ... . 140

Long-haired Chinchilla Cat — "Ch. Ameer." Owner, Hon.

Mrs McL. Morrison ..... 142
Long-haired Chinchilla Cat — "Ch. Fulmer Zaida." Owner,

Lady Decies . . . . . .144

Long-haired Chinchilla Cat — " Ch. Fulmer Lord Southampton."

Owner, Lady Decies ..... 145
Long-haired Brown Tabby Cat — " Ch. Prince." Owner, Mrs

King . . . . . . .146

Long-haired Tortoiseshell Cat — " Laurel Lulu." Owner, C.

H. Lane ...... 149

Long-haired Dark Smoke Cat — "Ch. Backwell Jogram."

Owner, Mrs H. V. James . . . 153

Long-haired Red Tabby Cat— "Ch. Puck." Owner, Hon.

Mrs McL. Morrison . . . . .154

Long-haired Orange Tabby Cat — "Ch. Golden Butterfly."

Owner, Mrs Dean . . . . .154

Long-haired Light Smoke Cat — " Laurel Cheeky." Owner, C.

H. Lane . . . . . 155

Long-haired Silver Tabby Cat— "Ch. Abdul Hamet of

Dingley." Owner, Miss Leake . . .156

Long-haired Silver Tabby Cat — "Ch. Thames Valley Silver

King." Owner, Miss Derby Hyde . . .156

Long-haired Grey Tabby Cat — "Ch. Laurel Leopold."

Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . .158

Short-haired Black Cat— " Laurel Luther." Owner, C. H.

Lane ....... 161

Short-haired Black Cat — " Little Sambo." Owner, C. H. Lane 161
Short-haired White Cat—" Ch. Ballochmyle Billie Blue Eyes."

Owner, Lady Alexander . . . .163

Short-haired White Cat — " Ch. Laurel Emperor." Owner,

C. H. Lane ...... 164

Short-haired Neuter Cat — " Laurel Leonidas." Owner, C.

H. Lane ...... 164

Short-haired Blue Cat — "Ch. Ballochmyle Brother Bump."

Owner, Lady Alexander . . . .167

Short-haired Blue Cat — " Ballochmyle Blue Queen." Owner,

Lady Alexander . . . . .167

Short-haired Red Tabby Cat—" Ch. Ballochmyle Perfection."

Owner, Lady Alexander . . . .170

xiv LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

Short-haired Neuter Red Tabby Cat — " Lord Rufus." Owner,

C. H. Lane . . . . . .170

Short-haired Silver Tabby Cat — " Ch. Jimmy." Owner, Mrs

George Herring . . . . • I73

Short-haired Silver Tabby Cat — " Ch. Laurel King." Owner,

C. H. Lane . . . . . 173

Short-haired Silver Tabby Cat — " Ch. Laurel Queen." Owner,

C. H. Lane . . . . . 174

Short-haired Brown Tabby Cat— "Ch. Fulmer Xenophon."

Owner, Lady Decies ..... 177
Short-haired Brown Tabby Cat — " Laurel Quar." Owner, C.

H. Lane . . . . . .177

Short-haired Spotted Tabby Cat— " Tiddles." Owner, R.

T. Babb ...... 181

Short-haired Narrow-Striped Tabby Cat — " Silver." Owner,

Mrs Fossett . . . . . .183

Short-haired Smoke Cat — "Laurel Luke." Owner, C. H.

Lane ....... 186

Short-haired Black and White Cat — " Laurel Rector." Owner,

C. H. Lane 188

Short-haired White and Black Cat — "Laurel Magpie."

Owner, C. H. Lane . . . . -.188

Short-haired Tabby and White — " Laurel Silver Star." Owner,

C. H. Lane . . . . . .192

Short-haired Male Tortoiseshell Cat — "Ch. Ballochmyle Sam-
son." Owner, Lady Alexander . . .195
Short-haired Female Tortoiseshell Cat — "Ch. Ballochmyle

Bountiful Bertie." Owner, Lady Alexander . .195

Short-haired Tortoiseshell and White Cat — "Ch. Balloch-
myle Otter." Owner, Lady Alexander . .196
Short-haired Male Tortoiseshell and White Cat — "Laurel

Lothair." Owner, C. H. Lane . . * 196

Short-haired Manx Tabby Cat — " Ch. Bonhaki." Owner, Mrs

H. C. Brooke .'•-..' . . . . 198

Short-haired Manx White Cat—" Lord Luke/' Owner, C. H.

Lane . . . . . * .198

Short-haired Abyssinian Cat — " Queen Jumbo." Owner, Mrs

George Herring ..... 203

Short-haired Siamese Cat — "Ch. Wankee." Owner, Mrs M.

Robinson » , . . . 206

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xv

PAGE

Short-haired Siamese Cat — "Ch. Meo." Owner, Mrs Cunliffe

Lee ....... 206

Short-haired Mexican Hairless Cat — "Jesuit." Owner, Hon.

Mrs McL. Morrison ..... 209
Short-haired Indian Cat — "Indischer Furst." Owner, Mrs

H. C. Brooke . . ... . . .211

British Wild Cat — Typical Specimen. Owner, late Lord

Lilford . . .•'*"' . . -'. ; 217

Short-haired Narrow-striped Tabby and White — "Lord

Stanley." Owner, C. H. Lane . , , * 219

Headpiece to Cavy Section — Group of Cavies . . • V 282

Peruvian Cavy, Self— "Ch. Grand Duke." Owner, W. A.

Sherlock . . . . . 289

Peruvian Cavy, Self— "Ch. Lily-White." Owner, S. Newlove 289
Peruvian Cavy, other than Self — " Lord Sultan." Owner, C.

H. Lane . . . . . .291

Peruvian Cavy, other than Self — " Lady Irene." Owner, C.

H. Lane ...... 291

Abyssinian Cavy — "Ch. Bosco." Owner, J. Thompson . 292

Abyssinian Cavy — " Ch. Hull Lady." Owner, J. Thompson . 292
Abyssinian Cavy — "Ch. Florence Second." Owner, J.

Thompson ...... 295

Abyssinian Cavy — " Laurel Leopold. Owner, C. H. Lane . 295
Bolivian or Smooth Cavy, Self— ." Ch. What's Wanted."

Owners, Messrs Tee and Hanslip . . . 298

Bolivian or Smooth Cavy, Self— «« Ch. Daisy." Owner, F. W.

Walker . . . . . .298

Bolivian or Smooth Cavy, Self— "Ch. Black Bess." Owner,

A. Foster ...... 300

Bolivian or Smooth Cavy, Self—" Black Boy." Owner, C. H.

Lane ....... 300

Smooth Golden Agouti Cavy — "Ch. King of the Yukon."

Owners, Messrs Wright and Ford . . . 302

Smooth Golden Agouti Cavy, "Sister Laura." Owner, C. H.

Lane ....... 302

Smooth Grey Agouti Cavy — "Greyfriar." Owner, C. H.

Lane . . . . . . 302

Smooth Tortoiseshell Cavy — "Ch. Surefoot." Owner, J.

Thompson . » ,# . . . 302

xvi LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

Smooth Tortoiseshell and White Cavy — "Ch. Lady Sarah."

Owner, J. H. Lilley ..... 304
Smooth Tortoiseshell and White Cavy — "Ch. Elegance."

Owner, J. S. James . . , '. • . . 304

Smooth Tortoiseshell Cavy — "Sir Lucius." Owner, C. H.

Lane ....'.. 304
Smooth Tortoiseshell and White Cavy — " Ch. Galtee More."

Owners, Messrs Bousfield Bros. . . . 304

Smooth, Any Other Colour — " Lord Piebald." Owner, C. H.

Lane ....... 306

Cavy, Any Other Colour— "Lord Blaze." Owner, C. H.

Lane . . « '' . . . . 306

Smooth Dutch-marked Cavy— "Ch. Klondyke." Owner, T.

Blackburn ...... 308

Smooth Dutch-marked Cavy — "Ch. Monarch." Owner, J.

H. Lilley . . . . . .308

RABBITS

Rabbits, Cats, and Cavies

CHAPTER I/- /, .:

INTRODUCTORY

I PROPOSE to deal with the above in the order given,
and to say something of each of the several varieties
usually adapted for exhibition at the shows now so
frequently providing classes for them, in these and
other countries.

I do not think there is the slightest doubt that at
the present time there is more attention paid to these
small pets than at any previous period in the history of
the world, and that great numbers of persons, if not, as
in some cases is probably done, earning their livelihood
by breeding specimens for sale, are at anyrate making
thereby a substantial addition to their incomes.

Rabbits have made rapid strides in popular favour of
late years, and many varieties now appear in the show
pens, not only differing in size and shape, but also in
colour and markings.

Of each of these I propose to give some particulars

3

4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

which may afford some of the novices amongst my readers
practical information as to what they should seek after
and avoid in their dealings with other fanciers.

The variety known as the Lops, although probably still
looked upon as pillars of the rabbit fancy, are, I think,
not so extensively kept, or at anyrate, not so often met
with, in classes for them only, at many of the shows as
was formerly the case.

\ / Theire/may be several reasons for this, one being that
they are .supposed to require warmer quarters than any
othrjr varieties!, fef the rabbit tribe.

And this is probably why it is found that bakers
and eating-house keepers are some of the most successful
with this variety, where the length and width of the ears
form such important items in the production of high-class
specimens.

One of the most popular varieties of late years, both
in these countries and in America, where it has been
" boomed " to an unusual extent, is the Belgian hare.

This is not only of pleasing appearance, greatly
resembling in colour and shape, while nearly approaching
in size, our native wild hare, but also has the additional
recommendation of making an excellent dish for the
table ; and for the several purposes of showing and eating,
there are probably more Belgian hare rabbits being bred
at the present time than of any other of the family,
except the wild rabbits so common in this country, and
which have proved such a trouble to some of our
Colonies.

The family of the Silvers forms a very interesting

INTRODUCTORY 5

group, mainly divided into greys, fawns or creams, and
browns, with subdivisions into light, medium and dark,
the shades of which sometimes so closely approach each
other as to cause exhibitors some difficulty to determine
in which class to make their entries, and give judges
great difficulty in making their awards.

Another very popular variety is the Dutch, which is
the smallest of the rabbit tribe. They have one advantage
over most others, in showing at a very early age, by their
faint markings, whether they are worth keeping or not.

They are also useful in another way, as they prove
the best of foster mothers, and of service when a doe has
a larger litter than she can safely rear, as it is not an
unusual circumstance when eight or ten youngsters
appear at one birth for them to be divided between the
mother and a little Dutch foster.

Flemish Giants, as the name implies, are very large
rabbits, and at shows where — as sometimes happens —
prizes are offered for the heaviest rabbits, these are nearly
certain to take the awards.

In some parts of this country these are very popular,
and largely kept, although not so much in the South and
West of England as in the Midlands and the North ;
but they make substantial items as table fare.

Himalayan rabbits, presumably from their name, of
Eastern origin, are not a large variety, and I fancy, not
gaining in favour, as I have certainly seen less of them
the last ten years or so than formerly.

In their case, markings are all important, the nose,
ears, fore and hind feet being as nearly black as possible,

6 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAV1ES

while the rest of the body is pure white, and it is found
very difficult to preserve these conditions in perfection.
The same rabbit at times seeming to lose colour in those
parts where its density is so essential to success in the
show pens.

I think this must have disheartened some of its
fanciers, and caused a marked diminution in their
numbers, as of late I have met with few schedules pro-
viding classes for this variety, which is now mostly seen,
as far as my experience goes, in variety classes.

Another variety whose popularity is, I think, not
being maintained, is the Polish, a lively pretty little
pure white rabbit, about the size of a large Dutch.

Some years since these were extensively kept, and
classes given them at many of the shows, but now I
seldom see them anywhere, except occasionally in variety
or selling classes. I do not know any reason for its
waning popularity, except that others have come more
into general favour, and on the principle of the survival
of the fittest, the Polish have been thrust into the back-
ground.

One that has for many years retained its hold on the
favour of the public, whether fanciers or not, is the
Angora, perhaps the most beautiful of all the rabbit
family, and which certainly requires the most care and
trouble to produce and keep in show form.

As most of my readers will know, this has the longest
hair of any variety — mostly pure white and fleecy — so that
a good specimen looks like a mass of soft, silky hair ; but
only those who have kept them know how much attention

INTRODUCTORY 7

is required to keep their coats in order, free from any
knots or matting, and the colour untainted in the slightest
respect.

I think they are still highly popular, as I have lately
had large classes before me of high quality and type.

There is one variety that has come into great popu-
larity of late years, and seems, in vulgar parlance, to have
come to stay, and which is really a revival of an old
favourite with a new name.

What we used to know when I was a boy as the
Spotted Butterfly has blossomed into the English rabbit ;
not that I find any fault with the title, for I think it
really represents what it is, and, after the wild rabbit
and the lop, it is probably the oldest variety of the family
with a strictly British origin.

I remember the first rabbits I owned were of this
kind, but for a number of years they were rarely seen at
shows, and then chiefly in variety classes ; since then,
however, they have grown in numbers and quality, and
first-rate specimens have been often sold at highly satis-
factory prices. They have a large number of admirers
at the present day, and classes provided for them at very
many of the shows.

Even as lately as the year 1902 I have had very
respectable entries of them, and of sufficient quality to
require great care in sorting out the best.

I may say, for the benefit of those not knowing
this variety, that it is of medium size, white, with pre-
scribed black markings, comprising a mark much like a
butterfly on the nose, hence its old name, a trace down the

8 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

back and chains of spots from sides of neck, connecting
with markings on sides and back markings, forming a sort
of saddle, and there are other requirements which I shall
deal with more in detail when treating of this variety in
particular.

From old associations I have always taken an interest
in these, and have had not a few winners amongst my
stock, when I went in extensively for exhibiting rabbits
some years since.

The variety known as the Patagonian seems to have
been given a fancy name, as I have never heard that it had
any connection with the country of that name, most of
those which have found their way here having been
imported from the Continent of Europe.

As far as my experience goes, it has never enjoyed
much favour with our fanciers, and I do not remember
seeing a class given to it at any shows.

And if anything can cause a variety of any sort at
exhibitions to lose popularity, it is for it to be constantly
shown in " Any Other Variety classes," as it then becomes
almost a lottery as to what will take the fancy of the
judge.

Doubtless the right course to take in such a case is to
give the prizes to the best specimens of their several
varieties, but as most judges have partiality for, and are
better acquainted with, some varieties than others, it is
only natural they should give the preference to those
specimens, than to others they may not know so well ; in
such cases the Patagonian usually comes off badly.

It is a large rabbit, dark iron-grey in colour, and is

INTRODUCTORY 9

often confounded with the Flemish Giant, to which it has
some points of resemblance. There is little doubt they
have been bred together, not, I think, to the advantage of
either, but this is a matter of opinion.

Probably, if a few spirited breeders took up the
variety with vigour, attention might be drawn to it, and
classes provided at some of the shows, but unless this
is done it will remain, in the words of the old song, "a
sort we sometimes hear about, but very seldom see."

Another variety in the same category is the Siberian,
which, in my opinion, is even less often met with, at least
at shows, than the Patagonian.

In spite of its name and supposed connection with
Russia, the general idea amongst fanciers here seems to
be that it is a home production, and the result of a cross
between the Angora and the Himalayan varieties.

And this its appearance does much to justify, as it
possesses the long coat of the former, with the markings
of the latter. But whether a cross or not, it is found to
breed true to type and colour, and to be rather a prolific
breeder. It is usually tame, gentle in disposition, and
hardy in its constitution.

They are often very beautiful animals, suitable for
young ladies and others caring to keep them as pets
rather than for exhibition, as, like the Patagonians, it is
almost impossible to find schedules with classes for either
of them.

I have been told that this variety is in great favour on
the Continent, particularly in France, where great numbers
of them are kept, perhaps more for the value of their

io RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

coats and for eating than for exhibition, as I am not
aware that rabbits are shown on the Continent to anything
like the extent that prevails with us, although of late years
they have warmly taken up with dogs, poultry, pigeons
and some kinds of cage birds.

Another variety, which is perhaps the least often seen
at exhibitions in this country, is that known as the
Japanese, which is thought to have been practically
unknown here prior to 1893, when a brief notice of it
was given in one of our fanciers' papers.

Although much larger in size, it has somewhat the
shape of the Dutch variety, and some of those which have
been received in this country from France, where it has
found favour with some breeders, have evidently been
crossed with Dutch, but not to the advantage of the
breed.

In point of shape, size, and general utility for table
purposes, the variety offers scope for development of
usefulness ; although as a competitor at shows it has yet
been little seen, but if taken up by zealous and energetic
breeders there is no reason to doubt it would attract
notice, like many other novelties of less merit have
already done.

There appears to be nothing delicate about the variety,
which has been bred in open-air hutches on the Continent
of Europe, but, no doubt, those reared indoors would be
finer and softer in coat, and these are qualities esteemed
by its votaries.

As this is one of the few rabbits I have not personally
kept, I am not able to give the results of my own experi-

INTRODUCTORY 1 1

ence of it, but will furnish some more details respect-
ing it when I treat of this variety in particular.

When I have mentioned two other varieties, which
have much in common, I believe I shall have touched on
all those now recognised as " fancy rabbits " in the present
day, and will pass on to the next section of the subjects to
be dealt with in these pages.

The two last of the rabbit family requiring any notice
are the Black and Tan and the Blue and Tan, the names
of which convey some idea of their appearance.

Of course, in theory, the former should resemble as
closely as possible the terrier known under that name, but,
as an old dog fancier, I may say that in practice very few
come at all near that standard.

And this is not so much in respect to the black parts,
as to the tan, which is rarely seen bright or clear enough
to deserve the title of tan at all, and is more often a pale
greyish brown.

At comparatively few shows in the South or West of
England — where, I am bound to say, the rabbit fanciers
are neither as numerous or as keen as in some other parts
of the country — are classes provided for either of these
varieties.

The consequence is they are usually found in the any
variety or selling classes, but, if anything like fair speci-
mens, often " get into the money," as all judges who have
any general knowledge of the rabbit fancy know that
they are hard to breed of type and quality.

The Blue and Tan, in all important respects, is
on the same lines as the Black and Tan, except that

12 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

where the latter is black the other is a sort of dark slate
blue.

These are decidedly pretty rabbits, rather of small
medium size, quite a fancy rather than a useful sort to
keep, and breeders of them must be prepared to draw more
blanks than prizes in their breeding operations, because
many of them, as I have said, fail in their tan markings,

I think it was in the year 1871 that my respected
friend, Mr Harrison Weir, who all his life has been
interested in animals, used his influence and valuable help
in inaugurating the series of exhibitions of Cats at the
Crystal Palace, which have, I believe (I have attended
nearly all of them, and taken numbers of prizes there),
been continued every year since without a break.

For a great number of years he and his late brother,
Mr John Jenner Weir, F.Z.S., were the only judges
appointed at these shows, and they also officiated at the
cat shows held year after year at the Royal Aquarium,
Brighton.

Although many others have been held from time to
time in different parts of the kingdom, I think these have
maintained their position at the head of affairs in the Cat
Fancy, and that exhibitors have always valued success at
those places more than at any other exhibition.

Since the foundation of the National Cat Club,
followed by the Cat Club and the British Cat Club, of
course cats have attained a more important position than
they formerly held, and not only are they raised in
popular favour, but have greatly increased in value, so
that specimens of sufficient quality to win prizes in their

INTRODUCTORY 13

classes readily find purchasers at remunerative prices, and
I know of many persons, of both sexes, who keep well-
filled catteries to supply the demand created by the
shows.

In the early days, I should say long-haired cats were
decidedly in the minority, but for some years past — I
expect for exhibition purposes — more of the long-haired
have been bred than of the short-haired.

I have usually kept a good many of both sorts, and
have taken some hundreds of prizes with them, but I
think I have had the best specimens, and taken the highest
honours, in the short-haired division.

As my readers will mostly be aware, there are not
quite so many colour subdivisions in the Long Hairs
as in the Short Hairs, and each have their supporters,
although some fanciers, like myself, keep both varieties.

In Long Hairs, after the main colours — Black,
White, Blue and Smoke — there are the Tabbies, Chin-
chillas, Creams and Tortoiseshells ; any others than those
named generally come into the category of Any Other
Variety.

But in the Short Hairs, at large shows there are often
classes for Blacks, Whites, Blues, Smokes, Brown, Silver,
Red and Spotted, Tabbies, Tortoiseshells, Tortoiseshells
and White, Black and White, White and Black, Tabby
and White, Abyssinian, Manx, Siamese, and Any Other
Variety.

Of all of these I mean to say a few words, as some of
my readers may not have given much attention to what
cat fanciers regard as important matters of difference

i4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

between the several varieties, and which make or mar
their success at the shows.

I have not the slightest doubt there are hundreds, if
not thousands, of cats running about the country quite
good enough to win prizes at shows, and to sell for sub-
stantial figures if their owners knew their value.

This I have proved on more than one occasion by
picking up specimens at different times in most unlikely
places, with which I have taken prizes at some of our best
shows.

To give three instances from my own experience. I
remember being in a boot shop some years since when a
little brown tabby female Short-Hair jumped on the
counter, and made friends with me. The proprietor of
the shop, seeing I was interested in cats, told me she had
lately had kittens, and that, if I pleased, he would reserve
one for me when old enough to leave its mother. I
thanked him, and said I would call for it in a month's
time.

When I went there for it, he said he had an arrival
in his own family, and his wife wished to get rid of cat
and kitten, so if I would accept it, he would be happy
to give me both, which I took with pleasure.

Shortly afterwards I was in the same shop again,
when the man said he had been tempted to buy a fine
cat from a sailor, and, if I liked, I could have it for a
sovereign.

This was one of the best black Persians I had ever
seen, and I was not long deciding to accept his offer, and
never regretted my purchase. As it was in the autumn, some

INTRODUCTORY 15

weeks before the Crystal Palace Cat Show, I entered the
little brown tabby Short-Hair, and the black Persian, the
former taking third prize in a strong class of her own
colour, and the latter first prize in the Black class.

They both took numbers of prizes all over the country
afterwards, and were much admired wherever they
went.

Another case was, when I was on my way to a railway
station I noticed a young short-haired white cat, of which
I liked the appearance, and took the first opportunity of
calling at the cottage where it belonged, to inquire if they
would sell it. I had some difficulty in getting them to
name a price, as they seemed to think it a strange thing
anyone should be willing to pay anything for a cat, but at
last they said they would be delighted to take half-a-crown
for it, which of course I readily paid, and this cat became
another Crystal Palace winner, as well as at many other
places.

I mention these cases merely to illustrate the fact that
there are plenty of good cats about, if they were only
looked after.

One of my most celebrated champions was bred by a
cottager in the village where I lived, and sold by him —
not to me — for the modest sum of five shillings. Un-
fortunately he did not come into my possession until his
value had gone up considerably, owing to the honours he
had taken. He was perhaps one of the best short-haired
whites with turquoise blue eyes, ever exhibited, and who
during his show career took scores of prizes at the Crystal
Palace, Brighton, Bath, Clifton, and all the leading shows.

1 6 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

But in this case I must not complain, as he was after-
wards sold to someone who took a fancy to him at one of
the shows, for three times the price J paid for him.

To any of my readers who may propose to enter the
Cat Fancy, I would advise their beginning with Short-
Hairs, and get to understand cats and their ways before
going into Long-Hairs, as the latter require much more
care and attention in keeping them in show form.

In Long-Hairs, naturally, the quantity and quality of the
coats count for much in their appearance and chances of
success at shows ; and to keep them in trim, free from
matting knots or felting, necessitates grooming ; indeed,
specimens intended for exhibition purposes must have
limited liberty to engage in feline amenities with their
fellows, or they are likely to suffer, from a show point of
view.

Those concerts which sometimes disturb the rest of
light sleepers are not generally engaged in by cats in the
higher walks of feline society, but are mostly confined to
the Ishmaelites of the cat tribe.

There are doubtless at the present day hundreds of
cats, which, from the time of their birth, are never off the
premises of their owners, and there are many firms who
are constantly at work building cat houses and catteries,
with runs to them, for the preservation and multiplication
of the numerous valuable specimens owned up and down
the country.

One piece of valuable advice I may give to intending
cat fanciers, and that is, on no account at any time allow
your cats to be out at night ; they will soon get accustomed

INTRODUCTORY 17

to this, and if used to the practice will come in when
called, even when allowed partial liberty by day.

Probably in the range of hobbies of any note taken up
by fanciers there has been nothing of late years to compare
with the advances made by Cavies.

The humble and almost despised Guinea Pigs of the
childhood of most of the older fanciers are now seldom
mentioned, but under the name of Cavies they have
entered on a new era of existence.

And whereas in the olden days the value of the
best specimens that could be procured was reckoned by
pence — and not many of them — now they change hands,
when shape, size and colour are satisfactory to the experts
in these little creatures, at more than as many pounds
sterling as the former transactions in pence.

To those of my readers unacquainted with the subject,
I may explain that cavies may be divided into three
sections : — Those with long hair, which are known as
Peruvians ; those with rough short hair, known as
Abyssinians ; and those with short smooth hair, known
as Bolivian, English, or merely as Smooth cavies.

The first two varieties named above were practically
unknown at the time when I kept guinea pigs as a boy,
and the last named were not considered of any value from
an exhibitor's point of view, chiefly, I think, because
shows were few and far between where even rabbits were
provided with classes, and it had not entered into the
heads of the boldest promoters of any kind of exhibition
to cater for such unconsidered trifles as guinea pigs !

Nowadays classes are often given for Rough and

1 8 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Smooth cavies, but such division I consider is wrong, and
most unfavourable to the Abyssinian variety, as by this
classification they have to be entered in the former or
" rough class," and often meet in competition specimens
of the Peruvian variety, usually with disastrous effect to
their chances, unless, as is not always the case, the judge
has been a fancier and breeder of all three varieties, when
he can appreciate the good qualities of each.

As I have bred and kept many hundreds of cavies, and
taken scores of prizes with all the varieties, I can speak
with some experience of them, and whenever I come across
a really good Abyssinian shown in a rough class, I always
try to get him into the first three, unless there are three
<c topping " Peruvians to oust him, and this, I contend, is
the duty of any judge under such circumstances.

I hope in the course of these pages, to go more into
detail about all the varieties named, so that in these
introductory remarks I will only lightly touch upon
them.

The long-haired, or Peruvians, after size and shape
are considered, depend mainly on the quantity and quality
of their coats, and some of them are really very beautiful
little creatures, even from an outsider's point of view,
whilst the length and shading of their coverings are very
remarkable, and worthy of attention.

The rough-haired, or Abyssinians, have coats which
seem to lie the wrong way — that is, they turn every way
but lying smooth — and are covered with little rosettes of
hair, each somewhat the size and shape of a dandelion
flower. These are continued all over the bodies, sides

INTRODUCTORY 19

and head, the bristling hairs on which give them a fierce
and ludicrous appearance, quite at variance with their
natures which are usually very mild and gentle, except
when quarrelling amongst themselves, when they twist
and turn themselves about in a most amusing manner,
and assume the most bellicose attitudes and gestures,
making all the time a sort of chattering purr, and can
make an opponents fur fly, if they are allowed to make
use of their sharp little teeth upon him.

I should have said, by-the-bye, it is not always safe to
keep Peruvians intended for show together, as they have
an objectionable habit of nibbling each other's hair, and,
by so doing, greatly disfigure perhaps a valuable specimen,
so that it cannot be shown for some time.

The Bolivians, or, as they are most generally called,
Smooth or simply English Cavies, depend mainly on size,
shape, and colour, but the coat should not be too long, or
soft in texture.

There are probably more of the last named than of
the two other varieties together, partly because there is so
much more choice of colours, and also that they are
easier to produce and keep in form than the others.

When I first kept guinea pigs, these were the sort in
vogue. At that time they were very seldom seen, ex-
cept of two, or more, colours mixed, but now they can be
had of self colours such as all Black, Red, Brown, Cream,
White, Agouti (a sort of reddish brown with black hairs
mixed in, much like the little rodent known as the agouti)
Dutch-marked (in the way of the rabbit of that name),
Tortoiseshell ; and all the colours named, with the addition

20 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

of White. At some shows, there are classes provided
for nearly all the colours I have mentioned, so it can be
realised to what an extent the Cavy Fancy has grown, and
all within the last twenty years.

I well remember when the first pair of Red Cavies was
brought out ; in a mild way, it produced quite a sensation.
I am not sure of the man's name — I think it was Hewson
who bred them — but heard he sold them with ease for thirty
pounds. And it was much the same when some pure Blacks
appeared, but since that time thousands of both Reds and
Blacks have come forward, and prices have fallen accordingly.

Then there was a great run on Agoutis, but they, too,
have multiplied, and only very perfect specimens of either
of those named command large money.

Really good Tortoiseshells, and well-marked Tortoise-
shell and Whites, have always maintained their position,
and perhaps sell as well as most varieties.

Also correctly-marked Dutch, being difficult to pro-
duce, and few and far between, have a good market value,
but only at the largest shows are classes provided for
these out-of-the-way varieties. They have consequently
to be shown, for the most part, in the Any Other Variety
classes, where, however, they have a good chance of coming
to the front if the judge (who often has to take the Cats
and Rabbits as well) happens to be a genuine Cavy fancier,
and not devoted to either Cats or Rabbits in particular.

I think I have said enough of the several subjects of
this book to serve as a sort of preliminary canter, and
will now proceed to deal with each in their order, be-
ginning with Rabbits, as first on my list.

To face page 20.

CHAPTER II

THE LOP

WHATEVER differences of opinion there are — and they
are many and great — about a variety of matters amongst
Rabbit fanciers, I think they are pretty well agreed on two
matters, namely, that the Lop is the oldest variety of
fancy Rabbit known in this country and that it is of
British origin. At least, I have not heard either of
these points disputed, so will take it that they are allowed
by all.

In the early days of my Rabbit keeping, I think Lops
were held in much more estimation than they are now,
and this may be owing to the many varieties which have
been brought forward, requiring less expense to keep, less
trouble to bring to perfection, and with more chances of
being shown early in their career and often. At one
time, if you heard of a high price being paid for a
rabbit you might almost take it for granted the animal in
question was a Lop, but of late years I expect the best
sales have been amongst the Belgian Hares and Old
English, both of which have made rapid strides in
public favour and consequently increased greatly in value.

There is something dignified, substantial, and what we

21

22 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

fancy as National, about a well -shaped Lop with its
picturesque ears and solid, substantial appearance, which
makes it different from any other variety, and its votaries
insist upon its position as being that of King of the
Rabbit tribe.

This being a variety in which size of body and
strength of constitution are important elements ; to insure
success in breeding operations, it is important that both
parents should be at least of fair quality themselves in the
points desired to be reproduced, of sound health, and if
possible of different strains, otherwise the offspring are
unlikely to turn out well, or be of much value for breed-
ing purposes afterwards.

It is recommended that sound does with ears of
twenty-one inches should be mated with a buck of not less
than twenty-three or twenty-four inch ears, as being
likely to have litters worth keeping.

Perhaps the majority of Lops now seen are not of
self colours, but more or less marked with white ; if,
however, it is desired to produce specimens of self
colours, much can be done in that way by mating,
choosing both parents as nearly of one whole colour as
procurable, and then re-mating some of the offspring
in the same way.

I think there is no doubt that many Rabbitries in
which Lops have been the most important items have
been kept up to a high temperature, as being thought
inducive to the growth of ear, and this artificial tem-
perature has caused the deaths of hundreds, either when
removed to the premises of purchasers or exposed to the

THE LOP 23

still greater vicissitudes of the show pens. I am not an
advocate for cold housing of any kind of fancy Rabbit,
nor have I kept my own in any but stone, brick, or well-
built wooden houses which could be shut up at night or
in unfavourable weather. On the other hand, I think
as much harm may be done by " coddling," especially with
such as are even occasionally exhibited, when we know
they are often left about in parcel offices, stations and
other places, going and returning to their homes,
and many of the shows leave much to be desired
in the care taken of valuable stock entrusted to them.

Although there is such disparity in size between the
two varieties, which, except both being rabbits, have
little else in common, I think Dutch does are the
favourites as foster mothers, when Lop fanciers require
some of a litter to be taken in that way. There is some-
thing eminently maternal, and businesslike, about the
little Dutch, which seems to make the work congenial to
them.

Many breeders, when the youngsters are between two
and three months old, take them in hand with a view to
moulding their ears into a graceful carriage, and think
that by so doing it helps the ears both in lengthening
and widening ; particularly if the operation, which should
be for a very short time at first, is performed in a warm
room on each occasion.

In the old books, we used to read of the half lop,
where one ear only fell at the side of the head, and the
oar lop, where both ears stood out almost at right angles
on each side ; but at the present day only those with the

24 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

whole, or perfect lop of both ears, would have much
attention from the judges, or even be thought good enough
for the breeding pen.

No doubt, there would be a chance of remedying, or
even removing, the defects of carriage before mentioned,
by artificial means, such as caps, weights, etc., but unless
the strain is a valued one, of which specimens are
desired to be perpetuated, the game might prove, as the
saying goes, " not worth the candle."

I have seen sometimes another miscarriage of the
ears mentioned, which was called " horn lop," when the
ears stuck out in front, after the manner of horns ; in my
opinion this, although fortunately by no means common,
is the ugliest and most undesirable of the three kinds of
faulty carriage, and I should think the most difficult to
correct.

As I wish to say something of a great many varieties
I have not the space to give the opinions of the leading
breeders of all of them, or I could produce any amount of
evidence that, to obtain success in breeding, it is not of
vital necessity that the parents should have extraordinary
ears, either in length or width.

But, of course, when the stock is intended to be sold,
much better prices can be obtained for the progeny of
well-known winners ; in the same way, there is more
demand and better fees will be obtained for the services
of a sire who has taken good prizes, particularly if his
stock has proved of good quality.

But, for my own part, I would expect just as good
results from the brother or father of the winner, and in

LOP-EARED RABBIT— " CH. MAYFIELD SURPRISE."
Owners, Messrs Chadwick and Tuckett.

LOP-EARED RABBIT— " CH. CORONATION."
Owner, W. C. E. Dibble.

To face page 24.

THE LOP 25

some respects they are even better for the purpose, as not
being in so much request, and often standing at lower
fees. This I have proved in breeding operations, not
only with Rabbits, but many other kinds of stock.

I would advise all beginners, whatever kind of live
stock they take up, to get well-bred animals, even if they
pay a little more for them at first, as they will be the
cheapest in the end, and if from any cause, they have to
be disposed of, well-bred stock are always more easily
sold than those half, or three-quarters, bred.

I may say that those who have had most to do with
Lops do not advise they should be kept in the same house
with other varieties, but if it is not convenient to have
two separate houses, part of it may be partitioned off ; the
reason of this is, that Lops undoubtedly do better in a
house where the temperature, although well-ventilated, is
never cold.

But, with many of the other varieties, it would be
more or less injurious to them to be " mewed up,"
being of a more hardy nature, and active in their habits.

I think there is no doubt that the first Societies or
Clubs, as they are now called, for Rabbits, were for Lops
only, and at one time mainly confined to the London dis-
trict, where I think the majority of the Lop fanciers used
to reside. Some of these were founded more than sixty
years ago, which shows how long this particular variety
has remained in favour.

I have read in some of the old books on Rabbits,
that at the earliest shows a rabbit with ears measuring
twenty-one inches was a certain winner, if of fair quality

26 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

in other respects, but we know how greatly things have
altered in that way.

We sometimes hear of twenty-eight, and even twenty-
nine, inches of ear, but we do not often see them, yet I
have even in 1902 more than once judged classes,
containing youngsters well under five months old, whose
ears gave an easy measurement exceeding twenty-six inches
in length by six inches in width, and possibly another
half inch would have been stretched each way, but I
am not in favour of straining them beyond reasonable
limits.

This goes to prove that although show secretaries
complain with good reason, the Lop Classes fill badly, and
therefore few, and sometimes none, are given at even
good shows, still there are some enthusiastic Lop fanciers
left capable of bringing out good stock, when the classes
and prizes offered, and the judge appointed, are considered
satisfactory for their entries to be made.

You can hardly lay down any positive rule on the
subject, but roughly speaking I like the width to be
about a quarter of the length of the ears ; of course,
specimens vary much in this respect, sometimes one with
great length will fail in width, and it is when the two
combine somewhat in the proportions stated that per-
fection is approached.

For my own part, I always make a point of taking the
measurement of all in the class — unless some have short
thick ears with no chance of getting into the first four or
five — and then go through the best four to select the three
prizes and reserve.

THE LOP 27

Colour is a great deal a matter of taste ; as we say of a
horse, it may be said of a Lop, a really good animal is
seldom of a bad colour.

Perhaps fawns, either self or with white markings,
which however should not predominate, are much in
favour ; but 1 have seen many good Blacks, Smuts,
Tortoiseshells, and Black and Whites, which have been
beautiful animals.

Shape and Condition are of course most important.
The body should appear lower at the shoulders and arch
nicely over the hind quarters, with straight fore and
hind legs, flesh firm but not unduly loaded with fat,
large, round, rather protruding, than inset, eyes, and a
general expression of alertness and health altogether.

With respect to the feeding of Lops, it is important
it should be varied in its elements, but of a nourishing
character. Many breeders advocate the use of goats' milk
if it can be obtained, and the youngsters taught to drink it
even before they are weaned from their mother, but if
cow's milk be used, it is thought better to boil it or mix
a little lukewarm water with it.

As regards feeding of the adults, I think sweet
meadow hay, a little clover hay-siftings mixed with middl-
ings, crumbling but not wet, is a good early morning
meal ; in the middle of the day the meal should be
mainly of green food, as we must bear in mind that the
natural food of all the Rabbit tribe is almost entirely
vegetable in its raw state. I prefer broccoli, cauliflower or
savoy to any other of the cabbage tribe's leaves, but I
also like milk and sow thistle, plantains and dandelions.

28 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Of course, all of them should be fresh, but never given in
a wet state. When none of them can be obtained, I use
carrots, white for choice, and even slices of mangolds and
swedes.

Green clover, and chicory, are both excellent, and all
rabbits are fond of them ; the latter has come more into
use of late years, and is easily grown by any who have
the ground to spare for its culture.

Some breeders use a great deal of oats with their
stock ; if this is done, they should be the heaviest and
best white oats that can be obtained. All owners of
horses will tell you how greatly oats vary in quality,
the inferior sorts seeming to consist mostly of husks, and
these are dear at any price.

When oats are much used, the stock will be all the
better with a little water to drink, once or twice a day, as
they seem to require it.

It is better to give them as much, at a meal, as you
find they consume, so that there is an empty pan when
feeding-time comes round.

Regularity in the time of feeding is important, the
stock soon get to know when they ought to be fed and
are on the look-out for the feeder.

The last meal in the day may be about six or seven in
the evening, and consist of much the same as the mid-day
feed, except that nursing does may have a few grey peas,
which have had twenty-four hours' previous soaking in cold
water and afterwards strained.

I would caution any novices amongst my readers
not to handle their stock more than is absolutely necessary,

THE LOP 29

at any time. Not to interfere with a newly-born litter
for at least a few days after birth, except to remove any
that may be dead, or deformed. Not to take up young,
or adults, by the ears, but by the skin of the back.

And, generally, to remember that rabbits are timid,
nervous animals, requiring gentleness and care in their
treatment, and that sudden noises, or rough usage, cause
them much annoyance and discomfort which must be
injurious to their health and condition. I think perhaps I
have now said enough for my purpose about Lops, and
will give the standard of points for judging them, as fixed
by an old friend of mine, a breeder of many years* experi-
ence, and with which I am so much in agreement, that I
do not think I can improve upon them :—

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE

Points of the Exhibition Lop Rabbit

Length of ear . . . . .20 Points
Width of ear . . . . .15,,

Shape of body, and straightness of limbs .10 „

Eyes, as. to size, shape, and colour . 5 „

Size 5

Colour ....... 5 „

Carriage and general appearance . 5 „

Total 65 Points

CHAPTER III

THE BELGIAN HARE

As far as I am aware, no variety of the Rabbit family
has been so persistently " boomed," of late years, as the
Belgian Hare, and the sensational sales at high figures,
many of which have been noticed in the papers, have
attracted notice beyond the usual fanciers' circles.

There seems to be a general concensus of opinion,
that the variety was first brought to any degree of per-
fection in Belgium, and that country is rightly credited as
its place of origin, but it is doubtful if, at the present
time, there are not more high-class specimens to be
found in this country and America, than anywhere else.

It is stated that until eleven years since, Belgian
Hares were practically unknown in America, and were
first introduced into the New England States by some
importations from Great Britain, but gradually spread
westward. They were most fully appreciated upon reaching
Los Angeles, California, which district claims to have the
largest Rabbitries in the world, mainly devoted to the
production of Belgian Hares.

Great expense and care have been incurred, by many

3°

THE BELGIAN HARE 31

enthusiastic fanciers in that district, to obtain the best
specimens obtainable. The climate seems to suit them
admirably, and, from some statistics I have seen, the
results appear almost incredible.

In 1898, a few pamphlets and newspaper articles
appeared, and some advertisements announced the arrival
of some Belgian Hares at Los Angeles, and within two
years afterwards, it was stated, there were no less than
six hundred Rabbitries there, large and small, mostly
carrying from fifty to seventy - five head of stock ;
many exceeding one hundred, some with two hundred,
and a few with more than a thousand each! It was
further stated that, without exaggeration, there were in
1900, the latest date of which I have obtained particulars,
over 60,000 Belgian Hares in South California alone,
and the number constantly on the increase !

Up to that time the development had been chiefly from
the fanciers' standpoint, but the merits of the variety, in
a utilitarian respect, were receiving more attention, with
reason to expect substantial commercial returns.

" The American Association of Belgian Hare
Breeders " is an influential incorporated body of fanciers,
which has done much for the rapid growth of the fancy.
It held an Exposition, Mart and Feast, in Hagard's
Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, on 8th, 9th and loth
February 1900. It was perhaps the only, certainly the
largest, Exposition ever seen anywhere confined to one
variety of Rabbit.

I understand there were seventy classes at the show
for Belgian Hares, with prizes varying from two and a

32 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

half to a hundred dollars in value, besides a great array of
specials of all sorts of things, offered by friends interested
in the breed.

The rules at this Exposition present so many novel
features, as compared with what our fanciers are accus-
tomed to, that I am tempted to reproduce them here, to
show what is being done " on the other side of the
water."

RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE AMERICAN
BREEDERS OF BELGIAN HARES' FIRST EXPOSITION,
MART, AND FEAST, to be given at Hazard's Pavilion,
Los Angeles, California, 8(h, tyh and loth February
1900.

The Company wishes all Exhibitors to understand,
that this Exposition is a business affair, and will be con-
ducted on business principles. To this end, an Exhibitor
may use any amount of his allotted space that he wishes
as an office, for the transaction of any business that may
be carried on by him.

A diagram of the floor space of the Pavilion, the
Exposition building, may be seen at the office of the
Corporation, Room 104, Currier Block, Los Angeles,
California, where floor space for exhibits and booths may
be engaged.

Mr P. E. Crabtree, of Denver, Colorado, Official Judge
of the " National Belgian Hare Club, of America," will
act as Judge of all specimens, judging the Belgian Hares,

BELGIAN HARE— "CH. FASHODA."
Owners, Bonanza Rabbitry, Los Angeles.

BELGIAN HARE— "CH. DASH."
Owners, Meadowbrook B. H. Co., Los Angeles.

To face page 33.

THE BELGIAN HARE 33

both standard bred and heavy weights, entered, by
scoring, and all other classes of competitors, by
comparison.

The judging will be done in public, and under the
management of a Committee of prominent citizens of
Southern California, who will be required to direct the
presentation of the specimens in such a manner as will
preclude any possibility of the Judge knowing whose
animal is before him.

Numbers will be used to designate the exhibits, and
these will not be placed until the award has been made.

The management is emphatically determined to
obviate every possibility of dissension between the
Exhibitors and the Judge, and all awards will be made
upon pure merit.

The commencement of the judging will take place at
nine o'clock, upon the opening day of the Exposition,
February 8, and will be completed at the earliest
moment possible.

All Premiums will be paid on the closing day of the
Exposition, February 10.

All specimens competing for prizes must be in their
places before nine o'clock on the morning of the 8th
of February.

All animals admitted to the Exposition must be in
good health.

No animals suffering from chronic ailments will be
allowed to compete, and any animal that becomes sick
after being entered must be removed at once to secluded
quarters.

34 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

The supervision and examination of the health of the
hares will be in charge of a Committee, under the direc-
tion of Judge Crabtree and the Management.

Each Exhibitor will be required, on making entry
of Hares, to make Affidavit before a Notary Public as to
the correctness of his entries.

The Entrance Fee will be ten per cent, of the amount
of the purse, in each Class, and this amount shall be paid
at date of entry.

Exhibitors may rent and occupy space for the
purpose of exhibiting stock that is for sale, in addition to
their stock entered in competition, and will be allowed to
make sales, and deliver Hares, except of those entered in
competition, and refill the vacant places with other Hares,
at any time, during the Exposition.

Exhibitors will be required to furnish their own cages
for specimens, and these cages must be of uniform width
and height ; the cages must be two to two and a half
feet wide, and twenty inches high, if two tiers of cages are
used ; but if only one tier is used it may be forty inches
in height.

The length of the cage may be made to suit the
space used by the Exhibitor. Tables to place the cages
upon will be furnished by the Management, free of charge.

The construction, and arrangement, of the Office por-
tions of the booths will be at the pleasure of the Ex-
hibitor, and be complete by eight o'clock in the morning
of the 8th February.

Not more than two tiers high of cages will be
allowed.

THE BELGIAN HARE 35

Exhibitors will be required to furnish their own food,
and to feed and water their own stock, and keep pens
clean ; the debris being carried away by the janitor.
Sawdust, or Cut Straw, and Dry Earth, will be furnished
by the Management, free.

At least five competitors must be entered in each
Class, to fill out said Class, except where otherwise stated.

For Entry Blanks, enclose stamp or call upon the
Secretary, or General Manager.

The score of an exhibit will determine the Winner, as
in individual specimens.

The Exhibitor must provide lock, and retain key, to
his cage, or cages, of Hares.

A Breeder is understood to be one who either breeds
a Doe, owned by him at the time of mating ; or purchases
a Doe, and orders her bred to a certain Buck ; or pur-
chases a Doe, already bred, providing he is impressed of
this fact before purchasing, and is also impressed as to
what Buck she is bred to, and receives a Certificate of
Breeding with the Doe.

An Auction Sale of Hares will take place, each day,
during the Exposition, at 1 1 o'clock a.m., and 2 o'clock
p.m. Specimens may be listed, with the Entry Clerk,
on the day previous to the Sale, and at a fee of ten per
cent, of the price realised from the Sale.

Exhibitors will be allowed to remove valuable Hares
from the Show-room, after each night's exhibition, and
return them on the following morning, not later than
eight o'clock.

Exhibitors may begin the arrangement of their booths

36 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

as early as Wednesday morning, February 7, and every-
thing connected with the exhibit belonging to Exhibitors
must be removed, from space occupied, not later than six
o'clock in the morning of February 12.

Exhibitors must not so arrange their business, and
signs, as to obstruct the view of other booths, either in
front or rear. Any reasonable arrangement will be
permitted.

Entries of Hares will not be accepted later than
5th of February. Entries may be made by telegraph or
by letter.

All due diligence and care will be exercised by the
Management, to protect Exhibitors, and their specimens,
in every practical manner.

Further than this the Management will not assume
responsibility, in any sense.

A sufficient corps of assistants will be employed by the
Management, both day and night, to render the best
possible protection to Exhibitors.

Any ties occurring in Classes will be adjusted by
dividing the premium equally between the number of
Hares showing the same score in that Class, and a
Certificate will be issued by the Company to the owner
of each specimen, setting forth, in each case, the conditions
of the award.

Exhibitors entering as many as three specimens for
competition, or occupying purchased space at a cost exceed-
ing Six Dollars, will be* presented with a Season Ticket,
admitting them to the Pavilion at all times during the
Exposition.

THE BELGIAN HARE 37

Medals and Cups will be delivered to the winning
competitors within sixty days of the close of the Exhibition,
or earlier, if possible to get them made.

As these " Rules and Regulations" are different, and
in some respects more stringent, than those we are
used to in this country, such of my readers as may
happen to be Exhibitors will read them with interest.
Although many of them appear rather arbitrary, still
if the Exhibitors, whose entries are required to make
the show, do not object to them, no one else has any
right to complain.

The very fact that a successful Exposition was held,
on such terms, goes to prove what a firm hold the Rabbit
Fancy has obtained "over there."

The Association of American Breeders of Belgian
Hares makes no secrets of its objects, which are to
advance the best interests of the Belgian in every way.
To secure the best strains of blood in the world,
crossing them with their home-bred stock, and thus
obtain not only individuals of the highest excellence, but
of best possible types.

They express their intention to protect the public,
so that each purchaser of Belgian Hares shall get just what
he wants, and is willing to pay for ; to produce hares that
shall be worth long prices, and have great merit as beauti-
ful specimens. They also keep in view the commercial
side of the industry, and realise that ultimately thousands
of hares will be bred and sold for the food supply.

They mean to • use their influence towards fairness

38 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

and honesty in dealing, so that, whether a buyer wants
stock for show purposes, or cheap stuff for table use, he
shall receive just and fair treatment.

For this purpose, they will aid, assist, and advise all
breeders whom they find worthy of confidence.

They consider the climate of their country is well
suited for the objects of their fancy, and although they
have been, at the outset, at considerable expense and risk,
in importing so many high-priced specimens from Great
Britain, a heavy percentage of which have been lost, or
suffered from their long journeys by sea and land, they
are of opinion that the careful crossing of new blood with
their native strains, assisted by their mild, open climate,
will produce as good and hardy specimens of the variety
as can be found anywhere.

It is their hope, and conviction, that their country may
become as celebrated for its Belgian Hares as it has been
for its Race Horses, and that they may be able to send
over here specimens to compete for International Prizes
at our best shows.

They state that they have every resource at command
for breeding Belgian Hares on a wholesale scale, as a com-
mercial commodity, and have reason to believe such may
be done with all prospects of success. The Association
has drawn up a carefully- worded scale of points and
description, which is divided into two sections, one
for exhibition, and another for table purposes, so I think
I had better set both out, as it is more than possible
some of my readers may dispose of some of their stock
to American buyers, and by consulting the Standards of

THE BELGIAN HARE 39

Excellence referred to they can see how they approach, or
are at variance with, what in that country is looked upon
as correct.

AMERICAN STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE IN
THE BELGIAN HARE

Disqualifications. — (i) Lopped or fallen ear or ears ;
(2) white front feet or white bar or bars on same ; (3) de-
cidedly wry feet ; (4) wry tail. A specimen should
have the benefit of any doubt.

»
Points of Excellence

Colour. — Rich rufus red, not dark smudgy
col our, carried well down sides and hind quarters,
and as little white under jaws as possible . 20 Points

Ticking. — Rather wavy appearance and
plentiful . . •'.-'.. . . 15 ,,

Shape. — Body thin, well tucked up flank,
and well ribbed up ; back slightly arched,
loins well rounded, not choppy ; head rather
lengthy, muscular chest, tail straight, not
screwed, and altogether of a racy appear-
ance 20 „

Ears. — About five inches, thin, well laced
on tips, and as far down outside edges as
possible, good colour inside and outside, and
well set on . . . . . . .10,,

Eyes. — Hazel colour, large, round, bright
and bold 10

40 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Legs and feet. — Forefeet and legs, long,
straight, slender, well coloured and free from
white bars ; hind feet as well coloured as
possible . . . . . . .10 Points

Size. — About eight pounds . . . 5 „

Condition. — Not fat, but flesh firm like a
race horse, and good quality of fur . 5 ,,

Without dewlap . . . . 5 „

Total 100 Points

BELGIAN HARE — " CH. PRIORY PRINCE."
Owner, E. H. Guy, Reigate.

BELGIAN HARE — "LORD LURGAN."
Owners, Lord Lurgan Rabbitry, Los Angeles.

To face page 41.

CHAPTER IV

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR THE HEAVY
WEIGHT BELGIAN HARE

Disqualifications. — ( i ) Lopped or fallen ears ; (2) white
front feet, or white bar or bars on same ; (3) decidedly
wry front feet ; (4) wry tail ; (5) mature specimens
weighing less than ten pounds. A specimen should have
the benefit of any doubt.

Description

Colour. — Ticking should be moderately plentiful and
quite wavy, ranging in importance as to quantity in the
order in which the sections are here named : — viz., hips,
back, upper sides ; it should not extend to lower sides,
over shoulders, nor on breast and front legs.

Special sections, a deep cream colour under jaws, a
bright cream colour under belly, and white under tail.

Lacing, dense black, extensive in length, and confined
closely to edge of ear. Colour proper, rich rufus red,
not smudgy, and free from dense blue under colour.

Size. — The animal should be long in vertebrae, between
couplings, long in limb, have ears five and a half inches,
and possess large eyes.

Weight. — Eleven pounds.

42 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Shape. — The head should be long and moderately
coarse, the ears not too thick, the eyes round and bold,
breast full wide, evenly carried dewlap ; front legs and
feet coarse, heavy boned, straight and firm in bone and
joint ; body round and massive, a continuous arch carried
from back to tail, with no tendency to squareness on rump.

Condition. — The flesh should be firm, the fur in
good healthy condition, the animal moderately close
coated and tight skinned, thus giving it an active alert
appearance.

Colour —

Ticking quantity .
Ticking quality .
Back .
Sides .

Hind quarters
Jaws .
Lacing
Ears .
Belly .
Eyes .
Shoulders .
Front legs and feet
Hind legs and feet

Condition —
Flesh
Fur

Size—

5 Points Length of vertebrae 3 Points
5 „ Length of fore legs 4
Length of hind legs 4
Length of ears 2
Size of eye . 2
Weight of specimen 4

Shape —

Head . . 4

Breast . . 4

Front legs and feet 4

4 »

4 »

4 »

2 „

2 „

2 „

Ears
Eyes
Body
Rump

Quality —
Fur .
Skin

Total 100 Points

Official weight at maturity, eleven pounds ; official

THE BELGIAN HARE 43

age at maturity, eleven months ; official cut for lacking
weight at maturity, half a point to the quarter pound, or
fraction thereof, and in immature specimens, half as heavy
a cut, calculating them to weigh a pound for every month
of age.

SCALE FOR RATING FAT HARES

Dressed Capons

Best portion of carcass, ham and loins . .20 Points
Quality of flesh, size of bone considered . 20 „
Colour of flesh, and fat . . . . 20 „

Degree of fatness . . . . .10,,

Weight . . . . . . . 20 ,,

Manner of dressing and preparing for shipment i o , ,

Total 100 Points

Up to now Americans have undoubtedly proved the
best buyers of valuable stock that traders in this country
have ever met with, so I have ventured to give detailed
particulars of their views about this variety, as I have
never seen them set out in any work on Rabbits hitherto
published here, and hope they may be of service to some
of my fellow fanciers.

The Belgian Hare has been taken up much more
warmly of late years in this country, more especially in
the South and West. It has always had a fair amount of
support in the North, where they are keen fanciers of
Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, as well as Pigeons and some varieties
of Poultry.

44 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

At one time there was a good deal of discussion and
controversy carried on, as to whether the Belgian Hare
was the production of a cross between the Hare and some
kind of Rabbit, but all the evidence of value I have
examined leads me to disbelieve it.

We know how closely in colouring and form they
approach the Hare, but their ways and habits are more
in accordance with a Rabbit ancestry, and their young are
different to leverets, which are, to all intents and
purposes, born clothed ; whereas all rabbits are almost
bare of any covering at all.

I merely mention the matter, because it is sometimes
referred to ; for my own part, I do not think there is
much in it, although I am aware many persons consider the
flesh of Belgian Hares superior to that of any other of the
Rabbit tribe, and more approaching the flavour of the Hare.

In case it may suit the convenience of some of my
readers to try the experiment, I may say that Belgian
Hares are looked upon as a hardy race, where they can
be sufficiently protected from climatic vicissitudes. They
have been found admirably suited for life in woods and
warrens, when does of eight months old or more have
been placed out, with bucks of not under six months, of
course, the number of the former considerably in excess of
the latter. They must all be looked after for some time
after they are located, both in the way of securing them a
sufficiency of food and water, and guarding against their
being demolished by their terrestial and aerial enemies, of
which they have so many, and from some of which they
possess no means of escape.

BELGIAN HARE— "SIR STYLES."
Owners, Messrs Brown and Westbrook, Los Angeles.

BELGIAN HARE — "LADY DI."
Owner, C. II. Lane.

To face page

THE BELGIAN HARE 45

All rabbits have the reputation of being timid, but
this variety is thought exceptionally so, therefore, noise,
or roughness, should be most carefully avoided in all deal-
ings with them, especially with breeding does, or serious
results may ensue.

Although a dewlap does not amount to a positive dis-
qualification, with most judges it has considerable weight
against a specimen, which should be borne in mind by any
purchasers for breeding, or show.

Straight, and rather fine, lengthy, fore and hind legs,
of as warm a shade of golden-reddish tan as possible, are
points to be sought after.

Length of body with hare-like tickings, on back and
sides in particular, and a shape arching over the rump,
with a longish rather fine head, bold bright eyes, medium
length ears, with dense black lacing on upper edges, give
a racy look to the animal, which, although the colouring
is plain and unostentatious in tint, is altogether pleasing
and more easy to appreciate. by ocular demonstration than
by any written description.

We are told that imitation is the sincerest flattery,
and we should therefore feel flattered that, the Association
of American Breeders of Belgian Hares have practically
adopted the standard of our own breeders, for the perfec-
tion of this variety.

In some few particulars our judges attach more value
to one point and less to another ; but, as to the general
appearance of what the animal should be, there is very
little difference between the two.

One matter I should mention is, that the more room

46 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

this variety has, in reason, and the more it is sheltered
from the heat of the sun, the more likely is the stock to
be bright, active, and lengthy in limbs, all desirable to
attain.

If hutches are used, they are better if at least five
feet in length, by two feet high, and wide ; if convenient
to give even more room, all the better, and, in fine dull
weather, a run outside will do them a lot of good, and
you will see them play some rare antics, as in many cases
they are as light hearted as kittens.

I do not know that I need say anything special about
food, as the feeding of this variety is much the same as
for others of the family ; of course, bearing in mind to
increase it in quantity, and quality, when the does are
suckling young.

Many breeders contend that, with the possibilities of
breeding valuable prize specimens, and the almost certainty
of producing useful stock for table purposes, more profit
can be made from Belgian Hare does than from cows ;
if the amount of capital invested in each is considered,
and the cost of the labour required to care for them.
And they also say, that although u something for
nothing," or "money without work/' is hardly to be
expected from this, any more than any other industry,
there is no animal that will give a quicker or better
return.

I will here give a standard of the points to be sought
for in this variety, as set out by a man I consider second
to none in his knowledge of the breed and the high
quality of the specimens he has produced. I have slightly

THE BELGIAN HARE

47

altered some of his figures, but only rateably, so as to bring
up the total to a hundred, rather than a broken number.

STANDARD OF POINTS FOR JUDGING EXHIBITION
BELGIAN HARES

1. Colour . . . . . .16 Points

2. Ticking . . . . . 4 ,,

3. Eyes — roundness, 3 ; size, 3 ; brightness,

1 ; regularity, I . . . 8 „

4. Ears — shortness, 3 ; shape and position,

2 ; texture and edging, 3 . . .8 „

5. Head — length, 5 ; width, 3 ; shape, 2 . 10 ,,

6. Feet and legs — straightness, 9 ; free from

white, 6; length, 3 . . . .18 ,,

7. Neck — shortness, 4 ; stoutness, 2 ; chest,

2 ; shoulders, 2 10 ,,

8. Condition . . . . 15 „

9. General formation of carcass . . 6 ,,
10. Without dewlap » . . 5 „

Total 100 Points

CHAPTER V

THE BLACK AND TAN RABBIT

THIS must be looked upon as one of the latest candidates
for favour of all the Rabbit tribe, as there is no record of
any appearing until within the last twenty years.

As I have not heard of any importations of the
variety it seems to be generally admitted they are home
productions, the result of some cross breeding, but there
is considerable doubt as to what were the parents of the
earliest specimens.

From the first the black has been better in its purity
and denseness than the tan, which has usually failed in
brightness and evenness of tint. Up to the present
time, breeders have found this their most important
obstacle to success, as well as the keeping the black from
being marked, or speckled, with tan hairs.

For some time there was a diversity of opinion as to
the size of specimens for show purposes, some going for
those from five to seven pounds and more, and others
preferring those not exceeding five pounds in weight.

I think the smaller size is now most in favour, and
that rabbits above five pounds in weight must be un-

BLACK AND TAN— " IDEAL."
Owner, Rev. W. Mathias.

BLUE AND TAN— " CH. PRESIDENT LINCOLN
Owners, Messrs Ovenden and Fawcett.

To face page 48.

THE BLACK AND TAN RABBIT 49

usually good in colour and other respects, to have much
chance against smaller specimens of fair quality.

Breeders of black and tans seem to find the male sex
predominates over the female in litters of this variety.
Consequently there are often a great number of young
bucks about five months old for sale at moderate prices,
as, at that age, a fair estimate can be formed whether
they will be good enough to keep.

Purchasers should endeavour to see the parents of any
stock offered to them, and choose the offspring of the
best-coloured specimens. For breeding take a buck from
one strain and a doe from another, if possible both good in
colouring, but if not possible to do this, get a buck from
a well-tanned strain and a doe from a strain remarkable
for density of black and excellence in shape and type.
I would rather breed from a rather large-sized doe,
with a small typical buck, than the reverse, and should
expect better results.

The blue and tans — although at some large shows at
the present day classes are provided for them — cannot be
treated as a distinct variety, as they are often met with
in litters from black and tan parents.

They are very taking specimens, and I think more
often purer in their body colour, that is, less sprinkled
with light or tanned hairs than the black and tans ; and,
for this reason, a fair blue and tan, with decent tanned
markings, will often be put before a black and tan in the
show pens.

Neither variety are very early in development, and
consequently it is not wise to part with any under four

D

50 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

or five months old, as it is almost impossible before then
to judge which will turn out to be the most valuable to
keep. The litter should not be taken from the mother
until at least two months old, and they should not be
bred during the cold season of the year ; between
February and July is the best time for them. They are
usually susceptible to cold, and rather liable to develop
snuffles if not well cared for.

Two great points to be aimed at in breeding this
variety (I am treating black and blue and tans as one
and the same for all practical purposes), are to keep down
size, while preserving colour and type.

If I were breeding to obtain black and tans, I would
act as before stated ; but if trying for blue and tans, I
would sooner use a black and tan buck of rich colouring,
with blue and tan doe, than use two blue and tans, as I
think by doing so I should be likely to get blue and
tans of richer and purer colour ; but even in this way
there would probably be some black and tans in the
litter.

This, as I have said, being a variety late in coming
into form, it is not wise to show them in young classes,
unless confined to black or blue and tans, as they would
be heavily handicapped by meeting young Lops, Dutch,
Himalayans, and others, which give much earlier promise
of their points of excellence.

Both black and blue and tans are decidedly pretty
animals, if correct in shape and colour, but may be looked
upon as eminently Fancy Rabbits, rather than kept for
utility.

THE BLACK AND TAN RABBIT 51

In this, as in all fancy stock, if a breeder desires to be
able to sell specimens, he must exhibit and win prizes,
or he will not be able to get remunerative prices ; but it is
better to breed from does after they have won a few good
prizes, if possible mating them also to prize-winning bucks,
than to attempt to show and breed from the same does.

By this the does will not have the strain of the
excitement and fatigue attending exhibition life, and be
more likely to keep in form.

I do not know of anything specially to be said about
their feeding, except that it should be sound and
nourishing, with plenty of green food during the summer
months, but never given at all wet, or with even the dew
on it.

They are fairly hardy in constitution as a rule, but
not a variety I consider suited to outdoor hutches, and all
draughts or cold air should be avoided. They are active
in their habits, and it will be all the better, if convenient,
to give them plenty of room for exercise ; it is better to
separate the sexes, and keep them away from each other
before attaining six months, and not to use either sex for
breeding until seven or eight months old, especially does.

I think I have said enough in a general way about this
variety, and will now mention what are the main points
to be aimed at for exhibition stock, and give a standard
for an ideal specimen.

The colour of the body should be pure glossy black,
or darkish slate blue, as the case may be, on back, top of
head, face and ears (which should be short and small) ;
there should be a triangular-shaped mark, like the letter

52 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

"V," of rich golden tan colour, at back of neck; the
belly should be pure white with a soft shading of tan,
where the black of body colour joins it ; the colouring of
fore feet should be black or blue and tan mixed ; the
colour of chest as bright tan as procurable, and a small
circle or ring of tan round each eye.

The ears, black outside with tanned insides ; and the
nostrils of rich tanned colour.

Black or blue should predominate in the colour of the
sides of hind feet, but the upper parts should be of rich
tan, and the same shade under the thighs. The eyes
should be moderately full, dark and expressive. The
weight should not exceed five pounds for a matured
specimen, and even less is desirable.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING BLACK
AND BLUE AND TAN RABBITS

Head (smallness and neatness) ... 5 Points
Ears (size and colour, outside and inside) .10 „
Eyes (with markings round them) . 5 „

Shape of body (with colour of chest and top

of shoulders) . . : , - •- -,v . . 25 ,,
Fore legs and feet (with shape, size and

markings) . , , :,. V'i . .10,,
Hind legs and feet, and thighs, with markings 15 ,,
Condition . . . - •,. . . . 20 „
Size, not exceeding five pounds . . ... 10 „

Total 100 Points

CHAPTER VI

THE PATAGONIAN RABBIT

ALTHOUGH this variety is named after a district in South
America, I have never heard of any specimens being
imported from that part of the world, but they have been
extensively bred on the Continent of Europe, more
especially France.

From the fact that they have been little in demand
for exhibition, and almost entirely bred for table use,
there has not been much trouble bestowed on keeping the
strains pure, and they have been crossed with both Belgian
Hares and Flemish Giants, from time to time.

In colouring it much resembles the wild rabbit, but
has more of iron grey in its tints, and often appears
freckled or mottled in hue. The belly is generally
almost white in shade.

The carriage of the ears is one peculiarity of the
variety. While stout and strong in substance, and wider
than most others, they do not seem as stiff, and frequently
have a bent and broken appearance, making them hang
over at tips, as though overpowered by their length and
weight. They are large, massive rabbits, and it is not at

53

54 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

all unusual for specimens fattened for the table to
make up to seventeen pounds and upwards.

It is desirable to give breeding does large hutches,
from five to six feet in length, with about one third
partitioned off for sleeping box, the aperture into which
should be large enough to admit the rabbit without
touching her large semi-erect ears. They are rather
lumbering clumsy animals, and not likely to trouble
about lowering their heads when going in or out of a
doorway.

They are usually good tempered and docile, kind and
attentive mothers, but if cramped for room, sometimes
cause injury to their young by stepping or lying upon
them.

They are found to breed very true to colour when
properly mated ; the sandy colour sometimes seen is not
desirable, and is thought to be the result of a former
cross with the Belgian Hare. Shades of grey only are
preferred, except on the belly and under parts, where
white and pale yellow is allowable, but the general
appearance of the rabbit is grey, rather deeper and richer
than in its wild cousin. Of course a variety of shades
will be found, even in members of the same litter, but the
more uniform they are in this respect the better.

As a rule the does do not have such large litters as in
some other varieties, perhaps from five to seven on an
average.

In feeding and general management, except as
mentioned about size of hutches, what I have said
respecting Belgian Hares will apply to Patagonians,

THE PATAGONIAN RABBIT 55

which although such large animals are not found to be
proportionately large eaters, and are so hardy in
constitution, that when provided with some protection
against wet or very cold weather, have been found to do
well in the open.

But if this is done, a suitable season in the late spring
or early summer should be chosen, and the young stock
intended to be turned out acclimatised for a while in
outside hutches. The place for the change should be as
warm and sheltered as possible, protected with wire
netting let deep into the ground, and supported with
stakes at intervals to guard against the entry of un-
desirable visitors of all kinds.

The early part of the year, after February, is thought
the best time to commence breeding operations, and if
the stock is mainly meant for table purposes, keep a
number of youngsters together in a shed, or room, where
plenty of suitable food, such as sweet hay, crushed oats,
milk and sow thistles, plantains, dandelions, etc., are
provided, avoiding such as are too aperient in nature.

Almost any time between three and six months old
they may be put up for fattening, when those selected
should be moved into separate hutches. Oats and
barley are good staples for their food, but a little meal
may occasionally be given. If they have been used to a
little oil cake it will have a good effect in increasing
weight, but, of course, the taste for it must be acquired.

Almost every house has crusts and ends of bread
which are not valued, and Patagonians are very fond of
these, and this addition to the diet of those being fattened

56 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

has been found to produce beneficial effects in their
condition.

I think the great point to be considered is to give as
much variety in food as possible, provided it is of a
nourishing character, and such as they will eat with an
appetite.

I like to see any kind of animal or bird of mine
take their food readily, and as if they enjoyed it ;
knowing there is not often much the matter when
that is the case.

As in some of the other large breeds used for the
table, gelding is sometimes adopted when great size is
desired ; the operation, which should be performed by a
practised hand, may take place when they are put up for
fattening.

I should have said that boiled potatoes, mixed with a
little barley, or oatmeal, and given lukewarm, are useful
additions to the tariff, when fattening ; and they are
partial to a little milk occasionally, particularly with
some sugar mixed with it.

Straw will be found better than hay, or other material,
for such as are confined in hutches, and if well supplied
with hay they will not be likely to eat their beds.

One of the main points to be sought in this variety,
after size, is to get as much uniformity in colour, with
large, strong, lengthy ears ; the eyes appear set rather
wide apart, and the head large and very wide.

In shape Patagonians run rather wide from the neck
to the loins, with heavy hind quarters and large hips, the
bones of which are very noticeable.

THE PATAGONIAN RABBIT

57

There is a dignified, comfortable appearance about a
Patagonian, which is very pleasant to see. As a rule,
it is not timid, or averse from being made much of, and
it is not often found quarrelsome or disagreeable with
its companions.

The following scale of points, suggested by one who
has had much experience of the variety, may be of service
to my readers : —

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING PATA-
GONIAN RABBITS

Head (size, shape, colour) .
Ears (colour, size, shape) . -*
Eyes (largeness, fulness, shape) .
Body (shape) . .[ ..', ,
Colour (evenness in shade) .
Condition and general appearance
Size, exceeding ten pounds .

5 Points

10

10
10

25
10

30

Total 100 Points

CHAPTER VII

THE JAPANESE RABBIT

As far as I remember, this is the latest variety we
have seen in this country, and it is not by any means
common now.

I have not heard of any being seen in Europe prior
to 1893, and they were looked upon as great curiosities,
which is partly accounted for by their peculiar appear-
ance.

I believe it to be rightly named, and that the first
specimens seen in Europe were really imported from
Japan, which interesting kingdom still breeds the
variety in considerable numbers, but for utilitarian
purposes only. I have not heard of any exhibitions of
live stock there, although we know that the Japanese are
more progressive and enterprising than any other of the
Eastern nations, and have adopted many of the customs
and institutions of the West ; and it would probably be
found that the Japanese who read, speak and write
European languages are, at least, in the proportion of one
hundred to one of the Europeans who can do the like in
Japanese !

58

TYPICAL JAPANESE RABBIT.

TYPICAL PATAGONIAN RABBIT.

To face page 58.

THE JAPANESE RABBIT 59

This variety is credited, with being gentle and
docile in temperament, good breeders, excellent mothers
and moderate eaters, but not dainty in their diet. They
have proved themselves sufficiently hardy to do well
in outside hutches, of course protected against wet or
cold weather, and not difficult to breed and rear. Being
of active, lively habits, they are best kept in roomy
hutches, as they otherwise have a tendency to develop
dewlaps, which are not desirable in the breed. There is
much of the Dutch Rabbit in the shape of this variety,
but there the likeness ends, as mature specimens are
usually much larger and heavier animals than the Dutch
seen at our shows. This is such a very recent arrival in
this country that little is known about it, with certainty,
as there are few persons with any practical experience in
regard to it, nor am I aware that any attempt has been
made to fix a standard by which specimens should be
judged.

Unfortunately, some of the earliest importations were
not kept as pure as they might have been, but crossed
with other varieties, which has increased the difficulties of
intending fanciers.

If, however, some energetic breeders will take the
matter in hand, it will be interesting to see a new variety
brought forward which seems to have many points in its
favour.

For the information of such of my readers who
have not seen any specimens, I give a brief description of
its appearance.

The head is large, and the ears strong, thick, with

60 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

black lacings at upper edges ; legs rather short, thick,
straight, and muscular ; eyes dark and not very pro-
minent ; coat rather open in character, but soft and fine
in texture ; the colour is rather uncommon, all the belly
and underneath parts being fawn, while the back is a rich
orange, with belts or stripes (usually two) of black round
the body, commencing behind the shoulders, and down
each side, joining the fawn on belly ; there is a black
smutty mark on the nose, and above it a white
spot, which is the only white allowable, the other
colour beings fawn, orange, and black, distributed as
mentioned.

It will be gathered, from the foregoing slight sketch,
that this variety is of quaint and striking appearance. I
have said that very little is yet known about it in a general
way, and it remains to be seen if it will be taken up,
either for show or utility purposes ; for both of which it
offers advantages, being said to be hardy in constitution,
quite out of the common in its markings and aspect,
and of sufficient size to make it useful for the
table. Being a large variety, averaging when matured
some ten or twelve pounds, of course they should be
given large roomy hutches, where they would take plenty
of exercise, and I should think they would be suited with
much the same treatment as suggested for the Pata-
gonians, and make up into handsome specimens.

I append a reproduction of the best portrait I
have been able to obtain, of a typical representa-
tive of the variety, which will give some idea of its
appearance.

THE JAPANESE RABBIT

61

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING JAPANESE

RABBITS

Head, large and substantial .
Ears, strong, thick, and with black lacing
Eyes, as to colour and prominence ...
Body, legs and feet . . . .
Condition and general appearance . , ;
Size not less than ten pounds for adults
Colour and markings . . , .•• g . -

10 Points

10 „

10 „

J5 »

10 „

20 „

25 „

Total 100 Points

CHAPTER VIII

THE POLISH RABBIT

THIS variety, as far as my experience goes, is neither
so extensively kept or shown, as it was some years
since, and yet it has many good qualities. The animals
are neat and pretty in themselves, may be bred to a
weight making them useful for table commodities, and
their fur, from its purity and colour, can be turned to
good account, when produced in sufficient quantities for
the furriers. I have been given to understand they are
largely bred, on the Continent of Europe, for the latter
object.

As to its place of origin, it has been doubted by
many whether it really was a native of Poland, but it is
not material to go into the question ; it is certain the
variety has been bred more or less extensively in Europe
for the last fifty years, and has been during all that
period known as Polish.

No doubt, its resemblance to what was known as
the common white rabbit, probably derived from albino
specimens of the wild bunnies, has been against it, but
there are several marked distinctions which may be
noticed between them.

62

THE POLISH RABBIT 63

The Polish is more elegant in shape, not so long in
body or legs, shorter in neck, purer and more even in
colour, and what some describe as more snaky in out-
line, and, although not heavy looking, weighs more
than its appearance suggests.

The eye of the Polish is a lighter shade of pink than
seen in any of the other varieties with such colour ; the fur
is short and of a chalky white, without shade or tint, which
contrasts with almost any other white rabbit in this respect,
and gives it an appearance of its own, but somewhat
difficult to describe on paper.

I should not call it one of the hardy sort, and it does
better in indoor hutches, being susceptible to cold and
wind. As it is active in habit, it should have plenty of
hutch room ; I have found them rather shy, and not
caring about much notice or handling, but docile and
easily managed.

It is a prolific breeder, with litters averaging five or
six in each ; the does make good and attentive mothers.
They are placed by many persons second only to the
Dutch as foster mothers; some are kept in Rabbitries
for this purpose alone, and found very useful. The
young when born are of a delicate pink tint, and for
some days, until the white begins to appear, very little
difference can be seen in them. The mothers are very
jealous of any interference with their young, and are best
left alone, as much as possible, at this time ; they are so
assiduous in their maternal duties, that they should be
well kept up with nourishing food when they are suck-
ling, or their health may be endangered.

64 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

At five or six weeks old some, at least, of the young
may be taken away for weaning, leaving a few of the
most promising a week or two longer with the doe.
When removed, a number of the youngsters may be run
together in a room or shed, where they can have plenty
of space for growth and exercise until they are about four
months old. Then the bucks should be separated from
the does, and hutched separately, but the does may con-
tinue to run together, unless found to quarrel, as is not
often the case with them. The spring of the year is the
best time to begin breeding operations, and does of eight
or nine months are thought better than those younger,
mated with bucks of not less than six or seven months.
This variety is not one in which crossing has been found
beneficial, although experiments have been made with
several sorts. It is best to keep them pure, of course,
with introduction of fresh blood occasionally to avoid
inbreeding.

As an article of food the flesh of the Polish is
esteemed as being very palatable, and, as mentioned, the
fur has a market value, when produced in quantities
acceptable to the trade.

I think it may be of interest to my readers if I quote
the views of my old friend, Enoch Hutton, F.Z.S.,
upon this variety. He has been an extensive breeder of
Polish, and had a long experience with them, and has
suggested a very elaborate standard by which they shall be
judged. I consider his opinion on the matter is deserv-
ing of attention and consideration, as he has often
had large classes before him as judge, particularly

POLISH RABBIT.
A big winner. Owner, Geo. Dickinson.

POLISH RABBIT — "LORD RICHARD."
Owner, C. II. Lane.

To face page 64.

THE POLISH RABBIT 65

in the North and Midlands, where he so often
officiates.

"This is one of the most common of domesticated
rabbits, its principal characteristic being the purity of the
snowy whiteness of its coat. It looks as though it was
delicate in constitution, yet the contrary is the case. As
a rule, it is very hardy, requiring little or no attention,
beyond perfect cleanliness, sufficient room and a due
regard to food.

" Why designated Polish I must confess myself at a loss
to understand, for though no doubt many specimens have
been imported, and perhaps some from Poland and Russia,
yet I could never ascertain that they are more plentiful
there than elsewhere.

"But I will not quarrel with the name, as I suppose,
like everything else, it must have some appellation, and
why not Polish as well as any other ; even if, as in the
case of the Hamburgh Fowl, it be scarcely known in the
locality from which it takes its name?

" Upwards of thirty years ago I had them in large
quantities, the does frequently producing as many as
eleven at a birth, very few being lost in rearing, and
seldom, or ever, any deviation or sport from the parental
colour.

"As a matter of course, its fur must be of snowy
whiteness, very short, fine and thick, and close at
the bottom, with no approach to wiry coarseness inter-
mixed.

" As in all cases where the fur and flesh are the
only value, I go in for size in preference to the

66 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

smaller specimens ; and if other points be kept to,
I should in all cases prefer the large ones for the show
pen.

" Many are not more than three pounds in weight,
and these as a rule at the present day are the best
in other points, so that if they were bred equally
good, and with size in addition, they must be of more
value.

" I have seen them quite up to ten pounds, but seldom
one of more than eight pounds that was fit to win, so that
I should say about eight pounds as the standard weight,
allowing fifteen points for it.

" If this be attained, while I would insist upon neatness,
fineness of bone, etc., as indispensable for a winner, it
would go a very long way in placing a rabbit at any
show.

4 'In shape they should be rather long, short on the legs,
fine in bone ; ears short, neat and pointing forwards, per-
fectly straight, and rather broad and open towards the
top, and showing the pinkness of the flesh through the
fur.

" Head of moderate size, and rather inclined to be
small than large ; neck deep and hind quarters rather
high.

" The eyes should be very large, bright, of a beautiful
pale pink, and prominent. The eye and the purity of
colour are leading features.

' ' The disqualifications are, cloudiness of coat, spots on
coat, eyes other than pink, crooked legs, and lop or half
lop ears.

THE POLISH RABBIT

67

" STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
"Points of the Exhibition Polish Rabbit

Colour, white . . . . . .10 Points

Coat, whiteness . . . . . .10,,

Coat, fineness . . . . . j ,,

Coat, closeness . . . . . 5 „

Size, when eight pounds . . . -15 »

Head, moderate . . . . . 5 „

Ears, small, neat and open to front . .10 ,,

Eyes, large, bright, and pale pink . .10 „
Eyes, prominence 5 „

Legs and feet, small and neat . . .10,,

Carriage and general appearance . . 5 „

Condition and cleanliness 10

"Total i oo Points"

CHAPTER IX

THE SIBERIAN RABBIT

I SHOULD not call this at all a common variety, although
specimens have been seen for a good many years, but it
has never " caught on " in this country as it has on the
Continent, 'especially in France, where it has many
admirers, amongst the lovers of rabbits there.

It certainly has a striking and rather distinguished
appearance about it, and with quite a foreign look, which
is in its favour with some people.

Some authorities doubt whether Siberia was really its
place of origin, but it has always been a prime favourite
with the fanciers of the Continent of Europe generally,
and it is quite possible it has been correctly named.

Wherever it came from, in all probability it was pro-
duced by a cross between a Himalayan and an Angora,
most likely a buck of the former mated with a doe of
the latter variety.

It is one of what I should call the essentially pet
rabbits, being handsome and showy, docile and good-
tempered, rather lethargic and comfortable-looking in
habit, and as a rule not averse to being carried, fondled
and groomed by its owners. These characteristics make it
suitable for those who desire to have a pretty pet animal to
feed and care for, but have no desire to exhibit it.

I do not remember to have seen classes for them at any

68

THE SIBERIAN RABBIT 69

of the shows, all I have met with have been either in the
possession of non-exhibitors, or if at the shows entered either
in the Any Other Variety, Gift, or Selling Classes, in none
of which they stand much chance of obtaining distinction.

The nearer they combine the best characteristics of
the two varieties, which seem to be fused into one, the
more perfect the specimen is considered.

Contrary to what has been found with some cross
breeds, they are found to breed very true to colour and
type ; but they are longer in maturing their coats in point
of length and texture than is the case with Angoras ; of
course this is subject to variation in individual cases.

As in the case of all long-haired varieties, frequent
attention with brushing and combing is necessary to keep
the hair in form and to avoid knots or matting, and their
hutches for the same reason must be kept scrupulously
clean and as dry as possible.

Straw is best for bedding, as the ends of hay are apt
to get into the coats and give an unsightly appearance,
besides giving endless trouble to remove.

They are sufficiently hardy to do fairly well in outside
hutches, if protected in wet, cold or stormy weather, but
the quality and quantity of the coat is likely to be better
in those kept in a house or shed, especially in the
colder parts of the year.

This variety does not run to great weight, eight
pounds may be looked upon as the limit, and many more
will be found of four, five and six pounds. As a general
rule, those nearest perfection in their points are between
five and six pounds in weight.

70 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Of course, there is no reason why surplus stock should
not be used for table purposes, but, like the Angoras, I
think they are very seldom bred, at least in this country,
with that object in view, but almost entirely as pets, and
generally by ladies and young people.

If kept with the idea of occasionally exhibiting, it
would be better to keep some does for that purpose only,
as those used for breeding pluck their coats so much to
provide warm nests for the young, that they take a long
time to recover their good looks.

This does not apply to the bucks, which if frequently
groomed, will keep in form, except during the moulting
season. They are credited with possessing mild and docile
dispositions, and are said to be seldom, if ever, known to
show hostile or cannibalistic tendencies towards their young.

The does are fairly prolific, and if permitted, will rear
two or three litters in the year, generally producing from
six to nine at a birth ; but 1 think two litters are better
than three, and give better chances to mother and offspring.

In order to obtain specimens as near perfection as
possible, some attention must be given to mating, trying
to counterbalance the faults in the doe by the good
qualities of the buck, or the reverse.

Coat and colour are the main points to be aimed at,
getting as much of the former as you can in reason, of a pure
white and silky texture, and the markings on the nose, ears,
feet and tail as dark as possible, if not actually black ; so
that in one variety are combined the difficulties experienced
by the breeders and fanciers of Angoras and Himalayans.

The ears should be small, and carried upright, having

THE SIBERIAN RABBIT 71

soft fine hair on the outer sides, but not insides. The eyes
are large and full, with little colour in them, but such as they
have giving the impression of a pale pink, not so red as
in the Himalayan, nor so decided a tint as in the Angora.

The hair on head should be plentiful, especially on the
upper part, also round the neck and on chest, back and
sides, which add to its picturesque and quaint appearance.

The legs should be moderately long and thick, and
the body somewhat chumpy in shape, but, like all animals
with heavy coats, they look much heavier than they really
are, as very heavy Siberians are seldom met with, as far as
my experience goes.

The following will give an idea of the relative value
of the several points : —

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
SIBERIAN RABBITS

Head .....

Ears, size and shape ....

Eyes, shape, size and colour
Uniformity of markings on extremities
Legs and feet, length and size.
Quality of wool .....

Length of wool .....

Condition ......

Size, not exceeding eight pounds .

S
5
5

20

15

15
10

IO

Points

Total 100 Points

CHAPTER X

THE FLEMISH GIANT RABBIT

THIS variety is correctly named in both respects, as I
think it is generally admitted to have been first produced
in Flanders, and to be still largely bred in Belgium and
the northern districts of France ; and it is generally the
largest and heaviest of all the Rabbit family.

Probably as a food producer it has no equal, as not
only is the flesh of excellent flavour, but they put on flesh
very rapidly, so that breeders who keep up their feeding
operations with vigour are often able to kill youngsters of
three months old, up to six pounds in weight, which must
be "good business," as our commercial friends say.

While size is very important with the Flemish, colour,
which is always harder to obtain, should not be lost sight
of. Iron grey should be the predominant shade every-
where, except on the belly and under parts, which should
be white. It is desirable to avoid any with sandy colour
upon them, which are thought to show a Belgian Hare
cross at some time or other.

As they mature, tickings appear in coat, on back and
sides, which are admired, and have a good effect.

In many varieties dewlaps are drawbacks, and have to

72

.,-•:,..:•

TYPICAL SIBERIAN RABBIT.

FLEMISH GIANT — " CH. LADY BEATRICE."
Owner, A. Merry, jun.

Tojacepage 72.

THE FLEMISH GIANT RABBIT 73

be guarded against in purchasing or breeding, but in this
they are desirable, more especially in the does ; but they
should be full and uniform in shape, forming a cushion for
the chin to rest on, and give a complacent, comfortable
appearance to the animals when at rest.

The head should be large and roomy, rather than
wedge-like in shape.

The ears six to seven inches long, fairly thick, and
carried erect.

The body large and long, very wide and massive
across the hind quarters, which should be very capacious.

Legs and feet should have attention, as it is important
they should be straight as well as strong, and too much
forcing of young stock has a tendency to throw out
the fore legs particularly, which is much against any
intended for exhibition.

Any white on face, nose, ears or feet is most objec-
tionable from a fancier's point of view, but of course none
of these objections will apply to those selected for table
use.

The eyes should be large, bright in expression and
round in shape.

The does are very prolific, and not seldom have litters
of seven and nine. It is well, if the object is to breed
specimens for show, not to leave more than three or four
on the does, putting the others in the care of a foster
mother, of course keeping with the doe those most pro-
mising in shape and evenness of colour.

At all times, whether young or old, it is best not to
lift specimens by the ears, they are often spoiled in shape

74 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

or carriage by doing so ; one hand should be placed under
the hind quarters, and the skin of the back grasped firmly
with the other. Indeed, this applies to most kinds of
rabbits, but more to those exceeding five pounds in
weight.

It is not unusual to see Flemish Giants of twelve and
fourteen pounds, and we hear of specimens much heavier,
but they are not very often seen at the shows.

Though I have no doubt that gelded bucks fed with
judgment, and coming of a large strain, might be brought up
a pound or two heavier, for all practical purposes, ten or
twelve pounds is a good useful weight either for show, if
good enough in its points, or for the table if that is the
breeder's object.

Being such large animals, naturally they require
roomy hutches. For brood does, these are recommended
to be about five to six feet long, with one end parted
off for the litter by a three or four inch high board
stretching across the hutch, merely to avoid the nest being
disturbed, or the young ones crawling, or falling out ; if
the height of the hutch is from fifteen to eighteen inches,
it will be all the better, and avoid the tops of the ears
being injured, as the doe moves to and fro.

Bucks' hutches should be provided with plenty of
room, but they need not be as long as for does, although
in other respects they should be as large.

Large frames require ample nourishment, and to
obtain and preserve weight they must be fed with no
niggard scale of diet.

Some of the most successful breeders make a practice

THE FLEMISH GIANT RABBIT 75

of giving three meals a day, making good sweet hay one
of the standpoints ; ground corn mixed, with the leaf
of clover hay and a little pollard made into a crumbling
mash, and given with the chill off for the first meal ;
another about mid-day consisting of roots, or other
green stuff, the former in winter when the latter are not
easily procured ; and at night as many oats as they will
eat, not play with, also a few grey peas previously soaked
and strained, and a little green stuff with another handful
of hay.

Some give bread and milk squeezed fairly dry to
youngsters, once a day before they are weaned and until
they are six or seven weeks old, and a few crushed oats,
also with satisfactory results.

I am not an advocate for the rabbit and cattle foods,
and boiled linseed, which are largely used by some fanciers,
nor even for linseed cake, although I do not doubt they
are all fattening agents. Generally these foods are used
on those specimens reserved for the table, but for my
own eating I would infinitely prefer an animal fattened on
what we consider its natural food, than to partake of a
monster animal which had been forced upon what is really
artificial feeding, and I am tolerably certain the flesh of the
former would .taste better than the latter.

At least, that is my experience with other kinds of
live stock, independent of rabbits altogether. The
following suggestions of the value of the several
points, in specimens for exhibition, may be a guide
to some of my readers desirous of taking up this
variety : —

y6 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE IN JUDGING THE
FLEMISH GIANT RABBIT

Head, roundness and chubbiness . . . 5 Points

Ears, upright and straight . . . 5 ,,

Legs, straight and unmarked . . 15 „

Eyes, round, full and bright . . 5 ,,

Body, massive and capacious . . 1 5 „

Colour, evenness and freedom from red shades 25 „

Condition ....... 5 „

Size, and weight, exceeding ten pounds . 25 ,,

Total 100 Points

FLEMISH GIANT—" VICTORIA.'
Owner, S. R. Turk.

HIMALAYAN.
Challenge Cup Crystal Palace, etc. Owner, F. Avard.

To face page 77.

CHAPTER XI

THE HIMALAYAN RABBIT

SOME writers on this variety express a doubt whether it
is really entitled to the name it bears, but I think it is
not material, as there seems a general agreement that, even
up to the present time, these animals are found in parts of
Russia, China and Northern India, and have borne the
name of Himayalan for a great number of years, though
they have sometimes been called Chinese, Egyptian
Smuts, and even Antwerp Rabbits ; but I have never
heard any reason for the last named as a place of
origin.

Suffice it to say, they are now a distinct variety here,
and looked upon as decidedly hardy in constitution, and
breed very true to type, perhaps as much as any, and
more than most, others. They are not large animals,
more being under six pounds in weight, when matured,
than over that figure. Nearly always, at least with us,
they are kept for show, more than for table purposes.
The coat is white all over, except at the extremities, the
nose, ears, feet and tail being as dark as they can be
obtained, the nearer black is approached in this respect

77

78 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

the better, and the tint of them all should be nearly the
same. This is where breeders find the difficulty, as
while the nose, ears, tail, and sometimes the fore feet,
may be all right, a specimen will fail in the colour of its
hind feet.

Some breeders suggest a double flooring to the
hutches, so as to keep them as dry as possible, and I
think the idea is good, and likely to have the desired
effect.

I have found that by using plenty of pine sawdust,
keeping great cleanliness in the hutches, and giving straw
for bedding, the colour is tolerably well preserved. I have
won many prizes with stock, which I obtained of Mr
Champion Carter of Weston-super-Mare, who used to be
a very successful breeder of Himalayans kept in this way.

There has been a good deal of controversy for and
against keeping them in dark hutches, to preserve the
dark colour. I do not advocate their being in a sunny
situation, but advise their hutches having their backs
towards the light in the Rabbitry, and this not only as
being of advantage to their extremities, but also on
account of their eyes, which, being rather full and more
red in colour than any other variety, are sure to be
sensitive to strong light.

The does make good and affectionate mothers, but
should not be allowed to breed early, say seven or eight
months old at least, and not have more than two litters
in the year.

The bucks will be all the better if not used at the
stud until nine months old, and intruding should at all

THE HIMALAYAN RABBIT 79

times be avoided, or the offspring will suffer, both in
constitution and colouring.

In disposition they are usually quiet, docile and
easily tamed, if kindly treated ; the does are best left
alone as much as possible when suckling a litter, as at
such times they are very jealous of any interference.
Litters may be found to vary from five to eight in
number ; it is not wise to permit a doe to rear more than
four or five at the utmost. They soon come in season
again, but, as I have said, two litters a year are better
than more.

Until the young, which should be left with the doe
for seven or eight weeks, are three months old, it is
difficult to decide with any certainty which will be the
most valuable to keep, and at four and five months some
may be good enough to show in young classes, but, as a
rule, they take longer to make up.

Unless they show signs of being quarrelsome, the
does may run together for some months, but the bucks
should be taken away before reaching six months, and
then not put in hutches containing more than one
specimen. They are better kept in a house, or shed, than
in outside hutches, but do not require artificial heat ;
indeed, I have found them better without it, so long as
they do not suffer from actual cold, draughts or wet.
I think, perhaps, I have said enough in a general way of
this variety, and think I cannot do better than quote the
opinion of Enoch Hutton, F.Z.S., about Himalayans, as
he has had a much longer experience of them than myself.

" This is one of the most popular and interesting of

8o RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

our Fancy Varieties of Rabbit, and finding a home, at
some time or other, in nearly all Rabbitries ; it is at
once pleasing to the connoisseur and striking to the
novice.

" No variety is more prolific, few are as hardy, and
none breed more true to colour and marking, and so true
to this point are they, that I have no hesitation in saying,
that of all the animals and birds I have cultivated, these
take the first position in that respect. In colour they
are pure white, except the ears, nose, feet and tail, which
are a dark brown, and, contrasted with the white, this
appears to be black in a good specimen.

" In size they vary from three to seven pounds, when
full grown, but I have never seen a good one over six
pounds, and very few of that size, while I have seen
numbers of winners of the smaller size ; in fact, I have no
doubt but that quality of colour and marking, with fine-
ness of coat, usually go with the medium and smaller
specimens, and I certainly lean to the smaller sizes for
the show pen, while I look upon a full-grown buck, in
nice condition, as being of a good average size when at
five pounds' weight.

" Extraordinary size is only obtainable by crossing with
other varieties, at the cost of colour, which when once lost
can scarcely ever be regained.

" When they first leave the nest, they appear to be quite
white, but on close inspection the points above referred
to will be found to be of a leaden hue, and these change
gradually up to about four or five months, when the
animal may be considered to have assumed its adult dress.

THE HIMALAYAN RABBIT 81

" In shape, they should be compact, and snug looking
when at repose, showing a graceful appearance of elonga-
tion when in action.

" I prefer them without dewlap — but I would not
deduct more than two points on that account.

" Many kinds of nostrums are prescribed for the
attainment and preservation of colour on the points, but
I have little belief in or sympathy with any of them,
being quite sure from experience that a recourse to
natural means, with a view to their general health, will
attain the desired object, besides saving a great amount
of trouble and expense.

" Light should not be excluded from the feeding hutch,
but on the sun's side the glass should be frosted to
protect them from the rays of the mid-day sun, which are
always detrimental to colour.

<c I have always found that by providing a movable
hutch for feeding in, with open back, placing it against
a sandbank or hill of dry earth or shingle, allowing them
to burrow for themselves, and removing all loose rubbish
as it accumulated, they kept their colour much better
than by any other means.

" But if such bank be not available, it is very easy to
provide one by piling a quantity of roots (of trees) and
gnarled branches in a corner of a room or shed, filling the
interstices with soil and sand, or by filling a large sugar-
tub in the same manner, providing holes at the bottom
for their admission.

" With such provision the rabbits will spend most of
their time in the burrows, only coming out at the regular

82

RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

meal times, and the coat and colour will be preserved fit
for exhibition much longer than by any other means.

"When so treated, cleanliness in the hutch, and a
moderate use of green food, avoiding cabbage of every
variety, will keep them free from skin diseases, the only
drawback of the breed being attacks of this character.

"STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING THE
HIMALAYAN RABBIT

Size, about five pounds ....
Shape, style and general sprightliness .
Head, moderate size and neat
Eyes, large, bright, and a beautiful pink
Ears, small, rather pointed, quite erect,

pointing slightly forwards .
Coat, short, fine and very close .
Colour, markings of nose ....
Colour, , , of ears ....
Colour, ,, of fore feet
Colour, „ of hind feet when equal to

fore feet in colour ....
Colour, markings of tail ....
General condition, health and cleanliness

" Total 100 Points

" Deductions should be made for large ears, paleness
of colour on points, cloudiness of coat, dewlap, etc.

" And the disqualifications are, lop, or half lop, ears,
crooked legs, and blotches of white onnose,ears, feet, or tail."

5 J

Joints

5

55

5

5}

5

J )

5

55

10

55

10

55

10

5)

IO

55

15

55

IO

55

IO

55

HIMALAYAN — " LARRY CARTER."
Winner of many Prizes, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane.

DUTCH, BLACK — " CH. BONUS;"
Noted Prize Winner. Owner, J. Malley.

To face page 83.

CHAPTER XII

THE DUTCH RABBIT

ALTHOUGH of late years the Belgian Hare and the
English varities have been more " boomed," the Dutch
have always maintained considerable popularity, and, I
think, deservedly.

Not only are they very pretty animals, and can be pro-
cured of many different colours, each with their supporters,
but they are perhaps unequalled as mothers and nurses,
being largely used in the latter capacity even by fanciers
who keep none of the variety for exhibition.

Then they are one of the smallest of all kinds, and
do not take up much room, and very docile and pleasant
to deal with, it certainly being the exception to meet with
bad-tempered specimens ; but I have known one or two,
who were very warm members indeed, and would " go for "
the first hand which approached them in the show pen.

And last, but by no means least, I do not remember
any variety which so soon discloses the apparent value of
the youngsters in a litter, as a fair judgment on this
subject may be formed within three days of their birth,
and the " wasters " removed, to the relief of the mother
(and subsequently of the corn and hay bill) ; and at eight

83

84 RABBITS, CATS, AND C A VIES

or nine weeks old it is by no means an uncommon
occurrence for well-marked youngsters to commence a
a successful show career ; and downright good youngsters
will fetch very remunerative prices at an age, when most
other varities are not out of the nursery.

All these reasons combined tend to keep up the
fame of the variety, and perhaps, especially amongst
beginners, Dutch are as much kept in this country
as any other of the fancy varieties.

For, be it observed, they are essentially fancy rabbits ;
as a rule, the adults do not scale over five or six
pounds, frequently less, so that they are seldom
bred for table use, though, no doubt, some which
are mismarked at birth, or develop defects after-
wards, or run too big for the show pens, are killed
for the table, and I have known it asserted that
they are uncommonly good eating too.

Of course, the colour is much a matter of taste ;
I like any of the colours, if the specimens are correctly
marked. I may lean a little to black, which shows
up well, if deep and pure, against the white ; although
I know many fanciers rank yellow as next in value
to black, I do not like it as well, as so many yellows
fail in colour of undercut, though a really good specimen
is very taking ; but I may mention, in passing, that
the young of this colour are longer in showing
their shades, and young fanciers desirous of bringing
out a topping yellow should not get rid of those
apparently almost plain white until nearly a week
old, when some idea of their merits may be gained.

THE DUTCH RABBIT 85

I am not averse to a deep slate blue, of which
I have owned and seen many beautiful specimens
at different times, and it is not wise to mate two
of this colour together, but better results are obtained
when one of the parents, I prefer the buck for choice,
is a black.

When I can get a steel grey, pretty even in colour,
without any shadings to speak of, I like it very much ;
it may be my fancy, but I have the idea these are
apt to run rather heavier than the other colours, and
look rather cobbier in shape.

I think the tortoiseshells are the least common of all
the colours, and are often the result of mating a black
buck with a yellow doe, but it is found that if there are
also yellow in the litter, they will be of richer and deeper
colours than if the parents had been two yellows.

In the same way the blacks in a litter, resulting from
the union of a blue buck with a black doe, will be found
to be a better and deeper hue, than from two black
parents, and not so often with the white hairs in the
black, which are such a trouble to get rid of.

I suppose there have been more disqualifications of
Dutch for trimming, etc., than all the other varieties
together, and as the markings and the size and shape
are the main points in them, a very thin line often
separates the first four in a good class.

The appended illustrations of high-class specimens
taken from life, will convey more idea of what Dutch
should be like than any amount of writing by me,
so that I will merely give a brief description of the

86 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

points to be aimed at, and a standard for judging
the variety, suggested by a successful breeder and
exhibitor of the variety.

I may just say, that the body colour, whatever it is,
whether black, blue, yellow, grey or tortoiseshell ,
should be as pure and decided as possible, not faded,
or washy-looking, as in that case it ill contrasts with
the white, which should also be as snowy as possible.

Although it is sometimes done, probably with a view
to keeping down size, I am not an advocate for using
either sex at the stud until six months old or more,
as it stands to reason the progeny will be of better
constitution, if the parents, at least, approach
maturity.

The does frequently have litters of seven and
eight, and even more, but it is wise to remove all
but the best four or five, at utmost, or the game
little mother may suffer from the strain put upon her

The head is larger than it looks, from its peculiar
markings, with small erect ears ; eyes full, and rather
prominent, matching in colour ; both the ears and
eyes come into the colour of the cheek marks, oval in
shape, which come nearly to the edge of the lower jaw
each side, divided up the face by the blaze, which should
be as even as possible, narrowing towards the top
and run into the white at the back of the neck, which
should be clear of body colour ; the collar, between the
cheek markings and back markings (technically called
the saddle), as well as the whole of the chest, face, fore
feet and blaze, should be pure white.

DUTCH, TORTOISE — " CH. SENSATION."
Owners, Messrs Mason and South.

DUTCH, BLUE — " LITTLE BOY BLUE."
Winner numerous Prizes. Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 87.

THE DUTCH RABBIT 87

The rest of the body, under as well as over, except the
hind feet — which should have stops, or tips, of white, not
exceeding two inches, and better a little less, in depth —
and the two feet evenly marked, should be as even
and decided in colour as can be ; and where many
specimens fail is, in the under part of the body,
known as the undercut, being too pale and washy in
colour.

I should have said that Dutch are looked upon as
hardy compared with almost any of the fancy varieties,
and are usually good feeders, requiring no special arrange-
ments for their feeding, and being small, will be happy
in hutches of the ordinary size, and even those outside,
if well protected ; but I am not in favour of these for any
kind of rabbit, if they can be avoided.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING THE SHOW
DUTCH RABBIT

Head rv'' »v [4fe W -V v' , 5 Points

Ears (small and very neat) ,: '-. , • -... l. 5 „

Eyes (matching in shade) . ;; V V . 5 ,,

Blaze, evenness, shape and extent . v . 25 ,,

Collar, or undercut y . ; : . < .- 20 ,,

Hind feet, length and evenness of stops ,.!,'. 15 „

Colour, density and purity . :. - :>•. .,"-10 ,,

Condition . .;.; : * ;; ;?-.?q . ; •',."' 5 ,,

Size, not exceeding six pounds ',. :, ~. 10 „

Total 100 Points

CHAPTER XIII

THE ANGORA RABBIT

I HAVE a strong idea that if such a thing were possible
as to take a poll of the visitors, not fanciers, who attend
our exhibitions in the year, it would be found that a large
majority of them are in favour of Angoras, before any
other variety of Rabbit, and they certainly obtain the
most admiration from the non-exhibiting public.

I have always had a sneaking kindness for them, and
during the whole of my exhibiting career have, I think,
kept a few specimens.

I daresay some of my readers have heard the old saying
of an Angora fancier, a That a good specimen could hardly
be groomed too much, and that a bad one never wanted
it." There is a good deal of truth in it, as the soft and
almost downy character of the hair, or wool, of a high-
class specimen is just the sort that will knot, mat, and
gather all kinds of unconsidered trifles into it unless well
looked after, and knowing this, when I have a class of
the variety before me, or meet some of them in Any Other
Variety, Gift or Selling Classes, I take particular care they
shall receive their utmost notice if up to the mark, as
I know, from my own experience, they must have given

88

THE ANGORA RABBIT 89

their owner a little more trouble than probably any other
variety, to put them down in form, and also because, as
I said in my preliminary sketch of the different varieties
to be treated, I am glad to see there are still some
keen fanciers of this beautiful variety. Occasionally, we
see them shown of grey, fawn, slate, black, and mixed
colours, but for my own part I greatly prefer them pure
white, and none of the others, to my mind, come near
them as typical representatives, nor is the coat of any
other colour than white of quite such high quality — at
least, that is my idea.

I think there is no doubt this was originally an im-
ported variety, and although they have always been, and
are now, favourites in many of the countries on the
Continent of Europe, that they came, if not, as many
suppose, from Persia, from some Eastern country.

There is a peculiar expression about an Angora,
which you do not see in any other rabbit. The head should
be of moderate size, well covered about the upper part,
forehead, and between the ears, with soft feathery hair or
wool, often long enough to hang down over the eyes,
which are a light shade of pink in the white specimens,
but much darker in shade in those not white, or pale
fawn, in coat.

The ears should be short, rather than large, carried
erect, without any tendency to lop or droop, clean inside
but feathered outside, not thick or coarse, but semi-
transparent, showing a pinky colour against the light.

The fur, or wool, can hardly be too abundant, all
over the body and chest, and should be as fine and

90 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

feathery as possible, free from any knots, matting or
discolouration.

The legs and feet are fine rather than muscular, and
long rather than stumpy.

The shape of the body is moderately long and nicely
arched over the rump towards the tail, which seems
almost hidden by the fur or wool.

The mouth is small for the size of the animal, and
the chin somewhat receding in character.

Like all animals with heavy coats, they are very
deceptive in weight ; it will very seldom be found that
a high-class specimen, as regards its coat, shape and type,
will exceed eight pounds, perhaps from six to seven
pounds is more often their weight. Those larger than
this are usually the result of some cross breeding to
obtain size, often with the sacrifice of quality in the
coats.

It is by no means a delicate variety, although I should
not advise intending exhibitors to keep them in outside
hutches, unless well protected from wet and cold, but
I consider them fairly hardy in constitution, and not
requiring artificial heat in a general way.

Combing the coats, and brushing them once or twice
a week at least, with a brush with long and softish bristles,
should be made a practice of, and the trouble will be
repaid by the condition of the animals.

I have found them gentle and docile, and they soon
get used to the toilet preparations, and make no objection
to them if kindly and carefully performed.

The does are fairly prolific, and their litters average

ANGORA— "CH. QUALITY."
Owner, E. J. Sands.

To face page 90.

ANGORA — " CH. ELEGANCE."
Owner, Miss W. Kimmins.

THE ANGORA RABBIT 91

about six or seven in number, though cases are met with
occasionally of nine or ten.

I do not think it wise to mate the does until at least
nine or ten months old, and prefer not to use the bucks
at the stud until nearly a year old.

The does generally are very attentive, affectionate
mothers, but rather jealous of any interference with the
litters, which should be handled or disturbed as little as
possible in the early days after their birth, except of
course to remove any dead, deformed, or sickly youngsters,
which are better got rid of at once.

The young may be left with their mother till eight or
nine weeks old, and although nothing special may be re-
quired in the way of feeding, of course she must be well
kept up on nourishing food while she is suckling.

The hutches must, at all times, be kept scrupulously
clean ; I prefer longish straw for bedding to any other
material, being less likely to get into the coats, although
hay may be given (preferred in a little rack, at the side
or corner of the outer part of the hutch) for feeding.
No one but those who have kept them can appreciate
the nuisance of getting sawdust, pe^t-fibre, or hay seeds
into the coats, or the trouble given to get rid of them,
and any of these are very prejudicial to their chances in
the show pens.

All exhibitors of the variety will, at some time or
another, have been annoyed at their pets being penned
beneath poultry, or pigeons, and finding the animals, on
which much care and time have been expended in prepar-
ing them for exhibition, quite spoiled in appearance by

92 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

the chaff, seeds, etc., which have fallen upon them through
the cracks in the boards above.

I consider the committee of any show, providing
classes for Rabbits (Cats, or Cavies), should either arrange
to have no live stock placed over their pens (except cage
birds, which are usually harmless in that way), or else
have lengths of paper, or linen, under the upper boards.

I may perhaps add that sow thistles, dandelions,
plantains and chicory are all found good varieties of
green food for does when suckling, as being both milk-
producing and flesh-forming ; of course, in conjunction
with hay, oats, meal, and the usual run of Rabbit food.

I think I need not add more about this well-known
variety, and will give a suggested standard for judging
exhibition specimens : —

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING ANGORA

RABBITS

Head, moderate size, well covered with hair 10 Points

Ears, not long or thick in substance . .10 „

Eyes, delicate pale pink in colour . 5 „

Legs and feet, moderate in length, firm in

bone . . . . . . 15 ,,

Quantity and quality of coat . . . 30 „

Size, not to exceed eight pounds . • . 1 5 „

General appearance and condition . 15 ,,

Total 100 Points

CHAPTER XIV

THE ENGLISH RABBIT

FROM the fact that when I was a schoolboy I used to ex-
pend some of my strictly-limited allowance, or, as I then
used to call it, weekly pay, in the purchase of rabbits of
this variety, I expect it was the commonest then in vogue
with the bird-shop keepers, and therefore considered by
the rising generation as the kind which rendered the best
value for their money.

As I said in my introductory remarks, it was origin-
ally called the " Spotted Butterfly," and as the character-
istic marks, or spots, have been continued ever since, and
a butterfly-shaped mark on the upper part of the nose is
still insisted on, there was no special reason for altering
its title, except that everything " English" has been in
fashion for some years past, and this is, I believe, really an
English breed, and so the name fitted well.

Probably, from my early associations, I have always
had a kindly feeling towards this variety, and am pleased
to see the rapid strides it has made in popular favour, and
there are so many apparently trifling matters which have
to combine in one specimen before it can step into the

93

94 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

front rank, if the competition is fairly keen, that the real
<c flyers " are few and far between.

It is what I should call a sizeable, rather than a large
rabbit, not too long, or flat in the body and sides, with
shortish, erect, black ears, and feet and legs of medium
length ; the main part of the body colour is pure white,
with markings, which are almost invariably, at least I
do not remember seeing any others, either black, blue,
tortoiseshell or grey, but in my experience the blacks out-
number the others very considerably, and, I think, are the
prettiest animals ; but this of course is a matter of opinion.

Besides the butterfly spot on the nose, there are cheek
markings and a spot at the side of each eye, but not
touching the rim of the eye.

Then, there is a line of markings down the back,
called the trace ; and lines of spots from each side of the
neck, joining with the saddle marks on back and sides,
and called the chain ; then there are spots on the belly
(which is all white otherwise), which are generally insisted
on being seven in number.

All the white should be as pure as possible, and the
contrasting colour, whether black, blue, tortoiseshell or
grey, pure in itself and unmixed with white.

From the foregoing remarks it will be easy to see that
" Derby Winners '' cannot be bred in every litter of
English, as there are so many little matters in which they
may be found wanting.

One great fault with many specimens is that they are
too heavy in their markings, and often too big, coarse
and chumpy themselves.

ENGLISH — " CH. MATCHLESS."
Owners, Messrs Cunliffe and Son.

To face page 94.

ENGLISH — " CH. MAJESTIC."
Owner, Albert Tottle.

THE ENGLISH RABBIT 95

Another is, they have a butterfly spot wanting one
wing, or the body of the butterfly is too low down, or
too high up.

Another cause of failure is, in the face markings, the
spots at side of each eye being often found to run with
each other, and form a mass, instead of being distinct and
detached.

Others fail in the trace on back, either being wanting
in places, or absent altogether ; both faults.

Perhaps one of the most frequent faults is in the
chain, which should, as nearly as possible, correspond in
the markings each side of the neck and shoulders, but is
often found good on one side, and faint and pale on the
other, or often faulty on both sides ; others are wrong in
coat, by being too long and fine, when it should be short
and rather hard in texture.

Some are too heavily marked on the sides of the
thighs and rump, which give a blotchy look, and are much
disliked by most judges.

And lastly, some have either no belly spots at all, or
not the regulation number ; but, I think, few English
Rabbits would be thrown out on this account alone, if
fairly good in the several other desired points.

I consider them as a rule to be decidedly hardy and
of good constitution, or they would probably not have
survived to the present day, as I can answer for it, the
majority of young fanciers in my boyhood had none of the
luxurious Rabbitries we now see in all directions over the
country ; and the Spotted Butterflies were as a rule the
variety kept, and almost invariably in outside hutches ;

96 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

but, I am bound to say that when I took up exhibiting
rabbits, my English, as well as all the others, were
always kept inside a house, or shed, and I am sure they
were all the better for it.

I have always found them good doers, not requiring
any special feeding, and lively and cheerful in their
temperament ; I have little doubt, although I have not
tried them since I was able to do so, that they would suit
for turning down, in a sheltered and protected place, to
be used for the table only, in which case I should allow
one buck with five or six does, of course, first hardening
them for a while in outside hutches, and making the
start the end of April, or beginning of May, and with
bucks of six or seven months and does of eight or nine
months old.

The does are fairly prolific, having litters of from
five to seven at a time, sometimes more, and are generally
kind and attentive mothers, but I think it wise not to
allow them to have more than two litters a year, even if
they are not shown ; and does kept for show are better not
bred from while the exhibition strain and excitement is on.
With respect to weight, in my opinion eight pounds
should be the outside limit, and if I could have them
correct in their points I would prefer them from six to
seven pounds. Although originally kept for utility and
pets, this variety has now become a popular fancy article,
and is not wanted for quantity, but the concentration of
quality. At many shows I have seen and read of the
competition being as keen in the English as in any
variety of Rabbit exhibited.

ENGLISH—" LYRIC."
Winner of many Prizes, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane.

SILVER GREY, DARK— "CH. MODEL."
Owner, T. A. Luck, St Leonards.

To face page 97.

THE ENGLISH RABBIT

97

I may say that they are generally looked upon as
good Selling Class, Any Other Variety, and Gift Class
Rabbits, and anything like a decent specimen is pretty
sure to " get into the money," and very often win, when
entered in either of the above ; of course, I mean at shows
where they have not provided classes for the English.

As I am giving as illustrations to this sketch portraits
of some of the best specimens ever seen of the variety,
perhaps I have said enough of this old-fashioned
favourite for the purposes of these sketches, and will
append a scale for judging it : —

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING ENGLISH

RABBITS

Head, not too coarse and thick . V V
Ears, erect and without white spots

Eyes, rather full and expressive . " * - J p

Nose markings, forming butterfly '•'•?,- "I v

Face markings, and spots by eyes •';* ; V
Body, shape, not too chumpy ; coat, short and

hard . . ,' ;V • Vv v .

Saddle and trace markings and belly spots v

Chain, distinctness and connectedness r: J.

Condition and general appearance . »•";•'

Size, not exceeding eight pounds . >3& ^ v

5 Points
10 „

5 »
10 „

10 „

10 ,„

15 »

V '•' • 20 „
' •"; •'•••; 10 „

^ ; ^; 5 »
Total 100 Points

CHAPTER XV

THE SILVER GREY RABBIT

WE now come to a very interesting group in the Silvers,
of which I think the above named is the most popular,
and I believe my admiration for some I saw at a show
many years since, and which I think were sent by my
friend, Rev. D. G. Truss, who has long been known in
the fancy as a successful breeder, exhibitor and occasional
judge, was the means of bringing me back as an exhibitor.

I need not tell most of my readers that this variety is
produced in three shades — light, medium, and dark — and
it is entirely a matter of taste which is taken up.

For my own part, I greatly prefer the medium, but
can appreciate the qualities of the others. I should think
the light shade is the easiest to obtain, but to my mind they
never have the brightness and quality look of the others.

The greatest difficulty is to obtain perfect evenness
of shading "from stem to stern/' and a specimen
possessing this quality, well shaped, with small, neat,
erect ears, will not be far out of the first three in a
general way.

There is some difference of opinion amongst breeders
and judges about size, some saying they should be from
five to seven, others from eight to twelve, pounds in

THE SILVER GREY RABBIT 99

weight. My own preference is for something between the
two limits, say not exceeding nine or ten pounds, and I
have handled a good many of the variety, both as owner
and judge, and believe the best I have ever seen were
under ten pounds.

I have the impression the largest specimens I have
met with have been amongst the light shades, and the
smallest amongst the dark, but this may be only my fancy.

I consider, neatness of shape is very important in this
variety, and greatly adds to its attractive appearance.

Shortness of coat should also be insisted on, otherwise
it loses in sharpness and brightness of colouring, and, of
course, evenness is all-important, so that those in any
stage of moulting should be kept at home until that
operation is completed, as they will have little chance in
competition with others.

Small, rather fine, well carried ears, rather full bold
eyes of dark colour, and alert, intelligent expression are
valuable points to secure, and add much to the taking
character of the specimen.

When first this variety came prominently forward into
the exhibition world, they used to be shown together
simply as Silver Greys, all shades in one class ; indeed, I
have sometimes seen classes simply for " Silvers," when
Greys, Creams and Browns had to compete together.

It was then almost as bad as a Variety Class, and it
depended much on the individual taste of the judge which
variety he went for.

But now, when there are a sufficient number of keen
and skilful fanciers devoting their attention to each, there

ioo RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

are usually, at the larger shows, classes provided for the
several sections.

It is my opinion, but I am by no means certain on the
point, that more Silver Greys are kept at the present time
than either Creams or Browns, and that of the Greys the
medium shade is the most popular ; but this is only my
own view, and perhaps partly caused from having more
of the latter come before me of late years.

The variety is not claimed amongst our home pro-
ductions, and such a distant clime as Siam is generally
looked upon as its place of origin, but ever since its
introduction it has enjoyed considerable popularity in
this country and the Continent of Europe, although we
do not find any reference to it in any works upon
Rabbits until within the last forty years.

I believe it is generally admitted not only to be
useful for table purposes, but that there is a well-assured
market for its skins, when they are produced in quantities
to suit the furriers, and, although I have not personal
experience of their being turned out to live in a semi-wild
state, have been informed that this has been done, to a
large extent, both in this country and the Continent, and
with marked success.

My experience of Silver Greys is, that they are very
hardy in constitution, better kept in roomy hutches in
houses or sheds, but without artificial heat, and require
nothing special in the way of food.

The does usually have from five to eight or nine,
but I consider the former number quite enough to leave
on the doe, however many are born, and put the others

THE SILVER GREY RABBIT, i ,

under a foster mother if sufficiently promising to keep
them all.

They are rather shy at littering time, and are best
left alone as much as possible, as they are very inclined to
resent interference with their young, although as a rule
careful, affectionate mothers.

It will be found better in the end not to breed from
the does until they are eleven or twelve months old, and
I should not advise putting the bucks at stud under ten
months, and if a little older it will be all the better.

It is not a very early maturing variety. When born
they are a dull slate colour, which soon changes to almost
black, and they are seldom fit to show under six to eight
months, when they begin to get into form ; but it is not
often any of them can be shown in Young Classes, unless
restricted to their own variety, as they would have no
chance against Lops, Dutch, or some others, of the same age.

My friend, Enoch Hutton, F.Z.S., who has had a life-
long experience as a fancier and judge, has written so
eulogistically of Silver Greys, in which I concur almost
entirely, except in the matter of the weight of the speci-
mens for show purposes, that I am tempted to give some
extracts from his views about them : —

" My leaning towards this class of Rabbit, over all
others, will no doubt lay me open to criticism when I
may be charged with a weakness for them ; but whether
this may be looked upon as a weakness, or only a due
appreciation of its grand properties, I leave others to
determine, but I will content myself by saying, that were
one each of all the fancy breeds placed before me, in com-

102 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

petitition for a Champion Prize, or Cup, all of which
were about perfect of their kinds, I should have no hesita-
tion whatever in deciding upon the Silver Grey as the
recipient of that honour.

" This will not be looked upon so pleasantly by the
breeders of other varieties, but I think I am justified in
the position I take, considering the difficulty in producing
a first-rate specimen, and its great value when produced,
either alive or dead, and by value I do not refer to its
exhibition worth alone, as that is of a varying and fleeting
character, but of the great value of the fur for trimming
and clothing purposes.

"There is no variety more hardy or that requires so
little attention, as they thrive under almost any circum-
stances ; but they are not so prolific as some others, for
instance the Dutch, the Polish, or the Himalayans, and
do not produce so many at a birth ; but this is so in all
the varieties of large rabbits, as the Lops, Belgian Hares
and Patagonians. In size they should be large, in fact I
would go so far as to say, the larger the better, for it is
very seldom that a really good specimen is seen of a
small size, and by judicious crossing and being careful, in
all cases, to secure crosses of blood as far removed as
possible from each other, great size is easily attained, and
if this point be strictly carried out, it is not needful that
both sides should be large ones, as it is often the case that
one large animal and one of a medium, or even small size,
if perfectly healthy, will produce the finest specimens.

" No one will dispute the fact that if the fur and flesh be
the objects sought after, the largest are the most valuable.

SILVER GREY, MEDIUM — "CH. DARLING ETHEL."
Owners, Messrs Oddy and Son.

To face page 102.

SILVER GREY, LIGHT — "LORD GREY."
Owner, C. H. Lane.

THE SILVER GREY RABBIT 103

"In shape they should be plump, high on the hind
quarters, loin well filled, neck low, head rather large and
keeping in good proportion with the body, broad to the
front and on no account tapering or snipey, and the dew-
lap of the doe cannot be too large, broad, or too much to
the front, nothing in my opinion looking so comfortable
as a well-developed specimen at repose, with its head well
cushioned on a good large dewlap.

" Some judges, I know, object to this point, but why I
could never ascertain, for, to say the least, a rabbit with a
large dewlap has more fur than one without it, besides
the elegant appearance it gives the animal.

" The eye, should be large, dark and protruding, and
bold in appearance ; ears small rather than large, neat
and well pricked ; legs and feet, though neat and compact,
strong in bone and perfectly shaped.

" Although there are many handsome specimens in their
natural warrens, yet when first introduced into this country
most were very dark in colour, though very even through-
out ; but with great care and good selection in breeding,
even with the help of warmth, which they require to bring
them to perfection, have produced some of the most
beautiful and perfect of their kind, which have taken the
lead at many of our exhibitions.

" As at present bred, there are two kinds, or shades, of
colour, viz., the dark or heavily ticked, and the light or
thinly ticked ones ; the latter being preferred by some
judges, while to my taste the former are the more
perfect, these being much more difficult to produce than;
the light ones.

io4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

" The light shade is often termed ' mealy' on account
of the sameness or flatness of appearance ; while the dark
shade always presents a more lively or sparkling surface,
which is produced by ticking, a point I will shortly
endeavour to explain.

"There is a third shade which should be avoided
altogether, except for crossing or the production of the Silver
Fawn — I refer to the light shade, with an ochrey or creamy
tinge, which gives the fur a sickly or faded appearance.

" In the first-named shade we find the skin of a pale
flesh colour, the thick, fine, short undercoat, or pily
fur, or what is generally termed the ground colour, of a
dark slate, and over this comes the silvering and ticking,
which is composed of longer and stronger hairs, thickly
interspersed with the undercoat, passing through to the
surface, and determining the shade of colour, part of
these hairs being pure glistening white, and the rest of a
rich shining black, these being dispersed in the proportion
of about five white hairs to one black one, the white
forming the silvering and the black the ticking.

<c These are generally a little darker on the head and
ears, for on account of the darker shades of the ground
colour, and the shortness of the fur on those parts, it is
next to impossible to get the colour even with that of the
body, and consequently some allowance should be made
in judging them ; while, on the contrary, the light shade
can be got more even in appearance, the ground colour
being much lighter than in the darker shades.

" In the light shade we find the skin very similar to
that of the dark shade, but perhaps a little more pinky,

THE SILVER GREY RABBIT 105

the under or pily coat paler and less decided in tint, the
silvering and ticking being composed of about ten white
hairs to one black one.

" But in giving these figures, I am open to correction,
as it would be a difficult process to determine to a certainty ;
and yet this is the conclusion to which I have come, after
very careful examination of several high-class specimens
of both the colours.

" For the show pen, I must admit that evenness is a
very desirable point, and where one of the darker variety
is found perfectly even I should allow fifteen points,
while in the lighter colour I would allow only ten points.

" In judging a class of, say, twenty Silver Greys, my
method is as follows : — I first go over them while in the pens,
selecting about a dozen that present some quality ; next
I examine them for silvering and evenness, selecting about
eight, and giving the remaining four a ' Commended '
each ; then I take the others out and examine them
thoroughly, c Highly Commending ' about three and
the remaining five I have placed on a table, under a
strong light, when the veriest novice can select the three
winners, and the two .left out are entitled to a ' Very
Highly Commended ' each.

"Well-ticked rabbits may be easily produced by
keeping up a cross of darker shade, or salt and pepper
coloured ones, with the clear light shades, this being the
whole secret of success ; but great care should be taken
to exclude all approach to the pinky or ochrey shade,
which would destroy all chance of attaining the coveted
frosted, glistening surface.

106 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

" When just born the young are of a slatey blue colour,
and at about a month old they appear to be quite black,
but on close examination they will be found to be broken
all through the fur with white hairs, and at the first moult
this changes to the real silvering or light colour, when it
may be determined as to which are the best ; but they
are never at their best till after the second moult, and
generally not till they are about twelve months old, the does
usually assuming their grandeur soon after the first litter.

" While in a brood the does are generally the best, so
that when a buck is found equal to a doe in all points,
some allowance should be made in its favour.

"STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING DARK

SILVER GREY RABBITS

Head, of fair size without tapering . . 5 Points
Eyes, large, dark and protruding . . 5

Ears, small, with erect carriage ... 5
Shape, plump, with a good loin ... 5
Coat, thick, close and fine . . .5

Ground colour, dark slate . . . .10

Silvering, sharp and clear . . . .10

Ticking, distinct and bright . . . 15
Evenness, as uniform as possible . . 15

Dewlap, large and broad . . . .10

Condition ....... 5

Size, from eight to twelve pounds . .10 „

"Total 100 Points

THE SILVER GREY RABBIT 107

" In the lighter shades the difference in points should
be silvering fifteen, and evenness ten, which brings it up to
the same total of a hundred points, where classes are
provided for them apart from the dark shade.

" Disqualifications. — (i) A tawny white shade of coat ;
(2) white on nose, ears, feet or tail ; (3) any blotches, or
foreign colour on any part of body ; (4) crooked limbs,
lop or half lop ears, or light or broken eyes, the latter
amounting to little more than a defect, and if only slight
may deduct a few points only on that account, allow-
ing them to compete."

CHAPTER XVI

THE SILVER FAWN OR CREAM RABBIT

THIS variety, which is also often called Silver Fawn, is
another which seems to be generally believed to have a
foreign origin and does not appear to have been seen in
this country until within the last thirty years, but they
were known on the Continent of Europe for some time
previously, and the skins have been objects of value for
various purposes.

They resemble their cousins, the Silver Greys, from
whom indeed many persons allege they are an offshoot, in
being very hardy in constitution and prolific as breeders,
but three or four are recommended as enough to leave
upon the doe, placing the remainder under a foster mother.

There is a tendency, in this variety, for the shades of
colour on the heads to be stronger than on the rest of
the animal, but this may be overcome in time, by careful
mating with those least marked in that way.

Of course, evenness is a greatly-desired quality, and
the more uniform the colour of a specimen is, joined with
shortness of coat, richness of tint of undercoat, neat,
short, erect ears, and brown eyes, bright clear and
expressive, the more nearly will it approach the desired
standard. I think they may be said to have two divisions
of shade — those richest in under colour being termed

108

THE SILVER FAWN OR CREAM RABBIT 109

Silver Fawns, and the others Silver Creams ; the silvering^
in both is important, and should be sharp rather than
mealy in character ; the actual colour is difficult to
describe in writing, but can be easily appreciated by
comparison of specimens of each. There is some differ-
ence of opinion, amongst breeders and judges, as to the ,
ideal weight of this variety, but I think the majority
agree they should not exceed seven pounds for the
show pen ; of course, those bred for the table, or for their
skins, may be as large as possible, as in those cases
quantity will be desired rather than quality, and for the
same reason dewlaps will not be any drawbacks ; but for
my own part, I am so disposed to favour neatness of
shape and outline in all the three divisions of " Silvers,"
that I prefer the absence of dewlaps in them all, as>
although it may add much to the comfortable-looking
appearance of specimens when at rest, I think it is at the
sacrifice of smartness ; and, other points being equal, I
should put a specimen with pronounced dewlap below
one without it.

My idea of the variety may be given shortly as
follows : —

Head well shaped, without being very long ; ears
small, not exceeding four inches in .a matured specimen ;
feet, moderate size ; legs not too long and without
markings ; body nicely rounded and rather cobby in
shape ; coat rather short and crisp, with rich under
colour when turned back, and elastic to spring back into
place ; fore and hind feet, chest and tail, all of a rich
silvery fawn. The main difference between Creams and

no RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Fawns is in the shading of their coats, the silvering of
the former being more in evidence than in the latter,
but it will be found that Silver Creams and Silver
Fawns will often appear in the same litter, and from
parents of either of those colours.

I may be mistaken, but it is my impression there are
not so many Silver Creams or Fawns seen at our shows
as used to be exhibited some ten or twelve years since,
perhaps the decided run of popular favour on the
Belgian Hare and Old English Rabbits may have
something to do with it, if I am correct in my view.

My old friend, Enoch Hutton, F.Z.S., who is
perhaps one of the most experienced breeders of most
varieties of Rabbits, now living, wrote some years since
his opinions about Silver Creams as follows : —

"The Silver Cream, or, to be more explicit in its
designation, the Silver Fawn Rabbit, is the remote part
of the Silver Grey, and, though but recently introduced
to the show pen, bids fair to attain a high position, and
even to rival the Silver Grey in popularity and usefulness.

" Many crosses have been introduced of late, with an
eye to the production of this variety, and with a view to
improving the evenness and richness of ground colour ;
but as yet little has been done in that direction, for
although at a glance most of such crosses have a super-
ficial appearance sufficient to deceive a beginner, yet,
on careful examination, these have proved of little value,
the ground colour being generally white, or very pale
fawn, the belly and feet pure white, many showing the
shape of head, ear and gait of the Belgian Hare ; and

THE SILVER FAWN OR CREAM RABBIT in

while quite even in colour, and free from smuttiness on
head, ears and nose, at least one half of the fur has been
of no more value than that of the common white rabbit,
while the ticking and silvering, which are indispensable in
a good specimen, have been almost ' nil ' — and it is
my opinion that if those produced solely from the Silver
Greys were carefully selected, and bred together, a race
would result that would be quite sure to reproduce true to
colour, and in time the shady part might be bred out ; and,
so far, I look upon it as a mistake to try to manufacture
them, while such good materials are at hand, ready made.

" If, however, every other good and useful property is
to be forfeited for the so-called evenness, then, of course,
the new product will be taken by the careless as bearing
the palm, while in truth the old style, or those produced
originally from the Silver Grey, are far more even in
colour, being sound on the under surface as well as on
the back, while the new ones are mostly white, the only
disadvantage of the former being the little cloudiness on
head and ears, while their furs are much more valuable
than those of the new variety, for little more than half
the fur of the latter is of any value.

" The dark shade on the head is caused by a few black
hairs, or ticking, which comes from the Silver Grey, and
which, I have no doubt, might with a little care be bred out."

My main object has been to instruct, or to try and place
the beginner in the way of selecting for himself, and to this
end I will give some rules by which I should proceed
in my selection of the proper rabbits from which to breed.

In shape, size, style and carriage they should be

1 12 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

similar to the Silver Grey. The ground colour should
be silver fawn, this applying to the under part as well,
although they will always be somewhat pale there. This
should be well intermixed with a longer and stronger
kind of hair, which, working through the ground colour,
forms the effect on the surface known as silvering and
ticking, and these are always found in a good specimen
in about the proportions, speaking roundly, of six white
to one deep fawn and red one. As a rule, the does are
much better than the bucks.

As a guide, I would lay down the points as follows : —

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING THE
SILVER FAWN OR CREAM RABBIT

Head ....... 5 Points

Ears - ., 5 „

Eyes . 5

Coat 5 „

Ground colour, rich fawn . . . . 20 ,,

Silvering . . . -,».". . '.. . 15 „
Ticking . . . . . . 15 ,,

Evenness, taking the belly as well as other parts 10 „
Dewlap . . . . . •'. 10 ,,

Size and shape . . , . >; . .10,,
Condition . . . i, . . 5 ,,

Total 100 Points

The disqualifications are spots on any part of the
animal, crooked limbs, and lop, or half lop, ears, etc.

SILVER FAWN— "CH. ORANGE QUEEN.'
Owners, Messrs Barkham and Stones.

SILVER FAWN— " CH. LINCOLN HERO."
Owner, T. A. Luck.

To face page 112.

CHAPTER XVII

THE SILVER BROWN RABBIT

THIS is certainly comparatively a newcomer into the
fancy, as there are plenty of men now living who
remember its first appearance and it is claimed to be the
result of a cross between a Belgiam Hare^ Rabbit and a
Silver Grey ; nevertheless it has long been sufficiently
established to breed true to type and colour, and has many
admirers. I do not think it has, or ever had, the same
amount of popularity enjoyed by Silver Greys, Creams
and Fawns, but it has a good deal of beauty of its own.

In cobbiness and neatness of shape it takes more
after the Silver Greys, which it also resembles in its
lively manner of action, and the evenness and uniformity
of ticking ; the ears, which should not be wide or much
open towards the upper part, are small, being preferred
not exceeding four inches in length, and should | be free
from the lacing at the edges which is so desired in the
Belgian Hare.

The eyes, which are dark and protruding and free from
any whiteness, or even paleness, in the tint of the hair
surrounding them, should be expressive and intelligent-
looking.

H 113

n4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

The legs are fairly long, but not strong in bone, as
all coarseness is to be avoided, and they should be without
any markings, just the same tint as rest of body, and both
fore and hind legs without white over or under.

The chest must be as rich in tint as the body colour,
many failing in this respect by being pale or nearly
white in this part, with much prejudice to the general
effect.

The tail should be of even colour, not white or pale,
but a greyish blue, showing the ticking or silvering well
defined.

In size I prefer them rather smaller than the Greys
or Creams, for exhibition specimens, as in this variety
the larger animals seem to lack neatness and develop a
coarse appearance, which I do not like at all.

In my opinion, those correct in other respects
should not exceed eight pounds, and I have seen many of
the best between six and eight pounds in weight.

Of course, those who breed for the table, or for the
skins of their animals, can get them up to a much
greater size, but I am writing with the object of giving
some useful hints to those who are mainly concerned
with stock for exhibition, as there are plenty of books
dealing with the utility side of the question.

As I have said of some other varieties, so I say of
this, it will be found best not to keep on breeding from
two specimens of the Silver Brown, even though they
may both be good in themselves, as the occasional use of a
Silver Fawn, rich in under colour, with one of the
Browns, will be found to better preserve the desired

THE SILVER BROWN RABBIT 115

shade, and it will also assist in removing traces of the
original Belgian Hare ancestry, which often make them-
selves apparent in the ear lacing, thought so detrimental
in Silver Browns.

Although the does of this variety are fairly prolific,
and make good mothers in a general way, they do not
often have large litters at a time, the number rarely
exceeding eight, and more often four or five, but it is not
wise to leave more than four upon the doe, placing the
others, if they seem good enough in promise, under
the care of a Dutch or Polish, to rear.

I need not give any directions about feeding, etc., as
this variety requires nothing special, and what I have said
of several others will equally apply in this case.

I have seen it stated, on the authority of a very well-
known breeder, that the skins of Silver Browns are
thought so much of by the furriers, that as much as from
ninety to one hundred shillings per dozen have been
paid for them. All I can say of the matter is, that if even
half that amount can be obtained, I think it would prove
very remunerative to those who have the necessary
accommodation and time to bestow on the undertaking, to
breed this variety entirely with that object in view.

Mr J. H. Roberts, whose long experience as a fancier
and judge entitles his opinion to considerable weight,
writes as follows of Silver Browns : —

c< The colour of the coat is made up of three shades,
the brown of which should be most prominent, beauti-
fully interspersed with white and black hairs, called tick-
ing. Over this should appear a kind of frostiness,

n6 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

delightfully sparkling to the eye. The ground colour
next to the skin should be of a dark slaty appearance,
the darker the better, as in Silver Greys ; then comes a
lovely rich brown with tints of purple, this is a shade
almost indescribable, terminating on top with an even
mixture of the three distinct colours, viz., brown, black
and white hairs. The amount of colour on the surface
constitutes to a greater or lesser degree the demarcation of
the different shades required to make up a dark, medium,
or light shade.

"The points to be avoided are : (i) Unevenness in
shade of colour throughout, from the nose to the end of
the tail ; (2) having what is termed a cloudy head, that
is, the head and ears being much darker in colour than
the body ; (3) ears long and tulip-shaped, with fringe, or
what is known as beading, round the top, this should
especially be bred out and be beadless ; (4) barred or
brown front feet, or hind feet white or partially so ; (5)
white speck on the nose, or light chest ; and (6) fur or
coat long and open, with pale ground colour.

All these are defects which are to be found, not only
in this variety, but also in others of the Silver tribe.

The appearance should be cobby altogether, in size
rather longer than a Dutch, weight about seven or eight
pounds, having neat, short ears, showing as much front as
possible, without the inner ear being visible.

I consider the eyes important in selling the rabbit to
advantage ; these should be of a sparkling rich dark hazel
colour, rather large and prominent.

Fur short and thick, to feel soft and silky when

SILVER BROWN— "CH. FIRST FAVOURITE."
Owners, Messrs Tee and Son.

To face page 116.

SILVER BROWN— " LITTLE GOLDMINE
Owners, Messrs Tee and Son.

THE SILVER BROWN RABBIT 117

touched, and if rubbed back the wrong way to fall back
quickly into position again, thus indicating that the
animal is enjoying the best of health.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE — POINTS OF THE
EXHIBITION SILVER BROWN RABBIT

Head, fairly round, and not too long . . 5
Ears short and without lacing . . .10
Eyes, sharp, large and prominent ... 5
Shape and general appearance . . .10
Coat, short, fine and silky . . . .10
Under colour deep and rich . . .20
Evenness of ticking and silvering. . . 25
Condition, no fat or coarseness . . .10
Size, not exceeding eight pounds ... 5

Total 100 Points

CHAPTER XVIII

CONCLUDING REMARKS ABOUT RABBITS

NEITHER Rabbits nor Cavies lend themselves very much to
affording materials for anecdotes, but the following short
article, which appeared in the Leisure Hour for September
last, may be interesting to some of my readers : —

UTHE RABBIT IN AUSTRALIA

" It is some 4000 years since the wise man drew atten-
tion to the energy and enterprise of the " conies," which,
though a feeble folk, had their dwelling in the rocks.

" In Australia the coney, which we may freely translate
as the rabbit, has well sustained his reputation.

" It is only about thirty years since the first pairs were
liberated in the State of Victoria, and yet already they
have spread to every State in the continent.

" At first, the wire fences, which were erected between
Victoria and South Australia, were expected to check his
western march, while the Murray River was confidently
regarded as a bar to his progress north.

" But he climbed over or burrowed under the former

118

REMARKS ABOUT RABBITS 119

and swam the latter, until at last the attempt to confine
his sphere of operations has been practically abandoned.

" Queensland alone, with a desperate system of wire
netting fences, still keeps up the hopeless battle. But it
was taken for granted that the arid, waterless desert
between South Australia and West Australia would prove
an insuperable barrier, and save one State, at least, from
the pest.

"However, this hope was just as ill founded as the
others. A year or two ago it was announced that rabbits
had been seen on the gold-fields.

u Since then the irrepressible bunny has increased and
spread, until, last week, the people of Esperance, a port
on the south coast some distance east of Albany, and the
centre of a fair area of good grazing country, asked the
Government to take steps to protect them from the
invader. They want a netting fence built to the east of
their district, or else, they say, a big tract of grazing
country will be ruined. The energy and fecundity of the
rabbit in this new country is amazing. Climate, soil and
surroundings all seem to suit him, and, like the old
pioneers, he has made up his mind to stay."

The following paragraph, which I saw last autumn in
the Bristol Evening News, shows that rabbits are some-
times a trouble to rural districts in England : —

" PLAGUE OF RABBITS IN THE WEST

" Farmers attending Tiverton Market, in Devonshire,,
yesterday brought gloomy stories of damage done to

120 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

standing wheat crops by rabbits, at Cove, about three
miles out.

" The damage is of so extensive a nature, that the corn
in many of the fields cannot be cut by machinery.

" Rabbits have also played havoc with the oat crops.

" From many other parishes in North and North- East
Devon similar damage is reported.

" Rabbits have multiplied to such an extent as to
become a plague . The trouble has been growing for some
two or three years, and strenuous efforts have been made
to keep the rabbits down.

" About twelve months ago a number of farmers met
to consider what steps should be taken to prevent the
increase. One gentleman advocated the use of poison, a
suggestion which did not find favour then.

" It is thought now that more stringent measures will
have to be taken than merely using guns. It is estimated
that each rabbit costs the farmer two shillings a year.
When sent to the local markets they realise no more than
sixpence a-piece. The total damage done by the rabbits
represents, in many cases, enough to pay the farmers'
rents."

The late Rev. J. C. Atkinson, the well-known
naturalist, relates the following incident, which may be
interesting to some of my readers : —

" There seems to be but little question that the male
partridge, as is known to be the case with the male of
other species of birds, occasionally takes his turn in the
labours of incubation.

" As the time of hatching approaches, or is fully come,

REMARKS ABOUT RABBITS 121

he may be seen sedulously assisting his mate in the
anxious cares of the moment, covering part of the eggs, or
scarcely-hatched chicks, as he sits side by side with her ;
and often, in the earlier stages, he seems to be ' on duty '
at no great distance from the sitting hen. One instance
came to my knowledge, many years since, in which the
cock bird was evidently not only near the nest, but ready
to exhibit its prowess in the protection of his mate and
her charge.

" A wild rabbit used occasionally to come out to feed
somewhat too near the sacred precincts, and as often as he
did so, the partridge was sure to pounce on him, and
after a short engagement, in which wing and bill were
both freely used, in spite of the great disparity between
the size and strength of the combatants, the pluck and
determination of the game little bird invariably prevailed,
and the discomfited rabbit was always compelled to with-
draw to a more respectful distance."

From Bingleys Animal Biography , written just a
hundred years ago, the following is quoted, which, in the
face of what is taking place in our Colonies, is rather
interesting : —

"The fecundity of this animal is truly astonishing.
It breeds seven times in the year, and generally produces
seven or eight young ones at a time.

" Supposing this to happen regularly for about four
years, the progeny from a single pair will amount to more
than a million !

" Their numerous enemies prevent any increase likely
to prove injurious to mankind, for, besides their affording

122 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

food to us, they are devoured also by animals of prey of
almost every description, which make dreadful havoc
among them.

"Yet, notwithstanding this, in the time of the Romans
they once proved such a nuisance in the Balearic Isles,
that the inhabitants were obliged to implore the assistance
of a military force from Augustus to exterminate them."

The following account appears in Andersorfs
Recreations of Agriculture, of the regular production of
a singular variety of the rabbit with only one ear : —

" A gentleman of my acquaintance chanced to find a
rabbit among his breed that had only one ear. He watched
the progeny of that creature, and among them he found
one of the opposite sex that had only one ear also ; he
paired these two rabbits together, and has now a breed of
rabbits one eared, which propagate as fast and as
constantly produce their like as the two-eared rabbity
from which they were originally descended."

From the following account, given by a gentleman
who amused himself with raising rabbits, it will appear
that they have some idea of subordination : —

" I began with only one male and one female, the
former white, the latter grey, and of their produce, which
was very numerous, the greater part were grey, a good
number of them white, and of a mixed colour, and some
few black.

"These animals seem to have a great respect for
paternal authority, at least I judge so from the great
deference which all my rabbits showed for their first
ancestor, whom I can always easily distinguish by his

REMARKS ABOUT RABBITS 123

whiteness, and who is, indeed, the only male of that
colour I have preserved.

u It was to no purpose that the family augmented, those
which in their turn became fathers were still subordinate
to him.

"Whenever they fought, whether on account of their
females or concerning their food, their great progenitor
would run to the place of dispute, with all speed, as soon
as he heard the noise. No sooner did they perceive him
than everything was presently reduced to order, and if he
surprised any one of them actually assaulting another, he
used to separate him from the rest, and punish him on
the spot.

" Another proof .of his dominion is, that they were
accustomed to be summoned by a whistle ; whenever
I gave the signal, how distant soever they might be, this old
one immediately put himself at their head ; and though
he came first, yet he made them all file off and enter
before him, nor would he go in till the last."

So many useful books have appeared giving all manner
of directions about hutches and houses for rabbit-keeping,
and some of them containing, also, the best methods of
coping with their ailments, with remedies for their cure,
that I think I need not go into these matters, as these
pages are mainly written to give intending fanciers, in as
concise terms and condensed form as possible, some
useful hints as to what are the points to be sought for in
breeding or purchasing the nearest approach to per-
fection in the several varieties which are to be seen at the
shows, which are now being held so extensively in these

i24 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

and other countries, providing recreation, and in many
cases, where judgment and attention is bestowed upon
them, substantial remuneration to thousands of fanciers,
of both sexes, and in all ranks of life.

The following description, by the late Rev. J. G.
Wood, F.Z.S., whose works on Natural History have
afforded pleasure to thousands of readers, including the
writer, who also enjoyed his lectures on the same subject,
will give my readers a capital notion of a rabbit
warren : —

" To see rabbits at their best, it is necessary to be
concealed in their immediate vicinity, and watch them in
the early morning or in the fall of the evening. No one
can form any true conception of the Rabbit nature until
he has observed the little creatures in their native
home, and when he has done so he will seize the earliest
opportunity of renewing his acquaintance with the droll
little creatures.

"To describe the manifold antics of a rabbit warren
would occupy a considerable space. The little animals
are such quaint, ridiculous beings, and are so full of such
comical little coquetries, and such absurd airs of assumed
dignity, that they sorely try the gravity of the concealed
observer, and sometimes cause him to burst into irre-
pressible laughter, to their profound dismay. At one
time they are gravely pattering about the entrances
to their subterranean homes, occasionally sitting upright
and gazing in every direction, as if fearful of a surprise,
and all behaving with the profoundest gravity, next moment
someone gets angry and stamps his feet upon the ground

REMARKS ABOUT RABBITS 125

as a preliminary observation, before engaging in a regular
fight. Suddenly a whole party rush at full speed,
scampering over the ground, as if they meant to run for
a mile at least, but unexpectedly stop short at an inviting
tuft of herbage, and nibble it as composedly as if they
had not run a yard.

"Then a sudden panic will flash through the whole party,
and, with a rush and a scurry, every rabbit hops into its
burrow and vanishes from sight like magic. The spot
that was so full of life a moment before is now deserted,
as if it had been uninhabited for ages, but in a few
minutes one little nose is seen cautiously poked out of a
burrow, the head and ears follow, and, in a very short
time, the frightened rabbits have come into the light
of day, and have recommenced their interrupted
pastime."

Where natural warrens do not exist, artificial ones are
sometimes constructed, but this, of course, can only be
done in situations where the soil is favourable.

In Glamorganshire, there is said to be an enclosed
warren of 1600 or 1700 acres, within a wall. It is
stocked with various kinds of rabbits, and produces a very
good income, as much as ,£1600 a year. One foreign
customer is said to have paid as much as ^800 per
annum for skins of one particular variety (probably Silver
Greys or Browns), for the German fairs, whence they
travel into Russia and the East.

In another county it is stated that, on a farm of
2600 acres, a portion only of which was warren, the skins
and flesh of the rabbits paid the rent, besides the

126 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

expense of these warreners. There were seven of these
officials, with dogs and implements in abundance. Besides
wages they were allowed all the rabbits they could eat, and
bread, bacon, vegetables, beer, etc., from the farm-house
to be consumed in their huts on the warren, where they
cooked, in hermit-like solitude, for themselves. During
the killing season they worked in the night, finishing off
at about two in the morning. This took place every
night except Sundays. The catch was immediately
" hulked," or disembowelled, coupled and then sent off to
London in regular vans. During the day false burrows
are dug in the portion of the warren to be worked in the
evening, which was afterwards partially encircled with a
net. When the rabbits came out to feed they were driven
by dogs and beaters into the enclosure.

Taking refuge by droves in the false burrows, they
were easily caught by the men, those that escaped them
being intercepted by the net.

One bright moonlight night, when we witnessed the
chase, 200 couple were taken. The dogs not being
allowed to touch them, very few rabbits indeed were
mangled or torn ; stretching their necks was the mode of
death.

I am very pleased to see the enclosed in a recent issue
of the Adelaide Advertiser , but it has always greatly sur-
prised me that such progressive and intelligent people as
our Australian cousins have long proved themselves to
be, should have wasted so much time and money in the
endeavour to extirpate rabbits in their continent, when,
by making proper arrangements for the distribution of

REMARKS ABOUT RABBITS 127

what is a popular article of food, and with a practically
increasing demand for the skins of the little animals, it
has always seemed to me, instead of wringing their hands
and calling down curses on what they called the " terrible
scourge of rabbits," they should at once have turned to
account what is proving, and will prove, a source of con-
siderable monetary advantage : —

" At one time rabbits, when there was practically no
demand for their skins or carcases, cost the Australian
squatters hundreds of thousands of pounds annually to
destroy.

" But at present men in the Commonwealth engaged
in trapping them, also hares, kangaroos, wallabies,
foxes, opossums and native bears, earn over half a
million sterling.

"Twenty millions of Australian rabbit skins were
sold in London last year, representing an actual money
value of £i 1,000 in cash.

" Besides which, 600 bales containing 1,600,000 skins
were sent to France, while over two and a half million
rabbits, frozen, with their skins on, were shipped to
England from Victoria alone.

<cThus in 1901 the trappers' account for some
4,000,000 of rabbits sent to Europe, besides a large
Colonial consumption, represented a money value of
nearly a quarter of a million sterling."

To face page 128.

CATS

•

w hJ

. c
K £
u o

CHAPTER XIX

THE LONG-HAIRED WHITE CAT

I DO not propose in these sketches to go into the question
of the origin of the Cat, as so many books have appeared
going into details of this kind, but rather to say a few
words of the several varieties seen at our shows, with
short descriptions of each, and plain directions as to the
qualities to be sought for.

To my mind, the White is one of the most beautiful
of the Long Hairs, and when pure in tint, in full coat, and
with the pale blue eyes which should be a sine qua non in
this variety, is an ornament fit for the palace of a
emperor.

Unfortunately, cats of this colour have a great
tendency to be more or less hard of hearing, many I
have met with of my own and belonging to others being
totally deaf ; and this is awkward in many ways, particu-
larly if not kept in a cattery, and is such a drawback that
I would advise any intending purchaser to make sure of
the hearing capabilities of any they may be offered.

Of course these require to be kept scrupulously clean,
and must not be allowed liberty to roam at random and

132 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

will require constant attention to their coats, even to the
extent of careful washing, drying before a fire, and
combing when sent to a show, and the box, which, when
properly ventilated round the upper edges just under the
cover all round it, I greatly prefer to baskets, even
when lined. It should have brown holland or calico
tacked round the sides to guard against any possibility of
soiling the coats, and the bedding for them, as indeed for
all cats, should either be paper shavings, such as may be
got from bookbinders and many stationers, or what is
known as reed straw.

The head should be somewhat broad, round and
fairly large, short in face, eyes wide apart, cheeks, fore-
head and round mouth well furnished with hair.

Ears small and well carried, fully supplied with soft
fine hair outside, and tufts of hair inside, with points to
tips.

Eyes bright and large, nearly round in shape, and as
much the shade known as turquoise as possible, and
matching each other, odd eyes being a defect often seen.
Amber eyes are not a disqualification, but count against
a specimen.

Chest and shoulders should have a profusion of long
hair forming a mane and frill, greatly adding to their
beauty and style.

I do not remember seeing any Russian Long-haired
Cats of this colour, but it is frequently met with in
Angoras and Persians, the character of the coats of the
former is more woolly than the latter, which are softer,
finer and more silky to the feel, but each of them should

CKEAM— "CH. RONALDKIRK MIDSHIPMITE."
Well-known Prize Winner. Owner, Miss Beal.

To face page 133.

THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 133

have an abundant coat all over the body, particularly at
the sides and thighs.

The feet and legs should be well clothed with hair,
even to the feet and between the toes, and be fairly
strong in bone.

The tail, which is an important feature in all long-
haired cats, should not be long in itself, but covered with
very long hair, rather thicker in apparent size than in
Angoras, carried gracefully with a curve, but never curled
over the back at any time.

The size of males is almost always greater than
females, for the former fourteen pounds is a large weight,
and may be generally taken as a limit, and females of
twelve pounds are quite up to the average of the best
specimens usually seen.

Condition, which includes general appearance and
shape, is very important, and is a good deal the result of
the attention paid to an animal by the amount of
grooming, etc., it has received. To render it in as perfect
form as possible, the whole of the head, chest, back, sides,
legs, feet and tail being gone over with a brush with long
bristles, and all knots or foreign matter, such as straw,
hay, etc., removed from the hair the last thing before
being sent off.

Colour should be as pure white as obtainable, some
prefer a little squeeze of the blue bag in the water before
washing, to give a blue white tinge like we see in milk,
others like a more creamy white, but, at anyrate, it should
have no tints of any kind in it, but, literally, be as pure
as newly-fallen snow.

134 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
LONG-HAIRED WHITE CATS

Head, roundness and breadth, with short face 10 Points
Ears, not large, with tufts and tips . . 5 „
Eyes, size, shape and colour . . .10 ,,
Chest and shoulders well clothed . . .10 ,,
Legs and feet, not long, fair bone, and well

covered to the toes . . . . 5 „
Coat, on body and sides, very abundant . 20 ,,
Hind quarters and brush, very full . .10 „
Condition and general appearance . 15 ,,

Colour, without tint or shading . . .10,,
Size, up to about fourteen pounds as a limit . 5 ,,

Total 100 Points

THE LONG-HAIRED BLACK CAT

In the early days of cat shows, which, as I have said,
date back about thirty years, I think it is undoubted
that cats of this colour were much more popular than
they have been for some years past.

I can call to mind many splendid animals being shown
by Messrs Warner, A. A. Clarke, and others, which were
an object lesson to any fanciers, but there has been, and
is, such a decided run on the lighter shades of colour,
especially the Reds, Blues, Silvers, Creams and Chinchillas,
that the Blacks have been somewhat neglected.

One of the first long-haired cats I ever owned was a

BLACK — "KING LEAR."

1st, Crystal Palace, etc., etc. Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 135.

THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 135

Black, and I have always been a great admirer of good
specimens of the colour, which often attain large dimen-
sions, and may be described as handsome, as opposed to
prettiness in some others.

The head should be in shape and character much the
same as in the White, with a dark instead of flesh-coloured
nose, and the cheeks well clothed with longish hair.

The ears almost hidden in the hair round them, lined
and tipped with soft hair as in last named.

The eyes very large, round and full, and the shade
of orange associated with the yolk of an egg ; this I look
upon as a very important point, in which a great many
otherwise good cats fail.

The shoulders and chest should be well covered with
long straight hair, forming mane and frill.

The legs and feet not long enough to make the
animal look leggy, or lanky, and fairly strong in bone in
large specimens.

The coat should be dense in character and profuse in
quantity.

The brush and hind quarters both with abundance
of long hair on them, the former carried gracefully below
the line of the back.

Condition, should be well rounded in shape of body,
without being loaded with fat, and general appearance of
dignity and grandeur.

In size, as far as my experience goes, and 1 have had
a good many of this colour, of both sexes, the males are
usually much larger than the females. I think the best of the
former should be up to thirteen or fourteen pounds, in good

136 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

condition, and that ten pounds, or perhaps eleven, would be
about the average weight of the best females generally seen.

As to colour, it is most important this should be
intense pure black, as that of a raven, without a speck of
white anywhere, or what is also often seen, a rusty tinge
on any part of the animal.

Many people speak of a black cat, disregarding the
fact it may have a tiny spot of white somewhere, most
frequently on the chest, under the chin, on one of the feet,
or even on the tip of the tail, any or all of these are, in
my opinion, serious defects, and should not be passed
over without penalising the specimen, if it appears in the
show pen, as a black cat should be black and nothing else.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
LONG-HAIRED BLACK CATS

Head, large and massive with short broad face 10 Points

Ears, well tipped and tufted with hair . . 5 „

Eyes, very large, full, and deep orange . .10 ,,

Shoulders and chest well maned and frilled . 10 „

Legs and feet, strong and well boned . 5 „

Coat, long, straight, abundant and silky . 20 ,,

Condition, larged bodied, without fat . .10 „

Colour, intense, and pure blue black . 15 ,,
Size of males to fourteen pounds ; of females

to ten pounds . . . . . 5 ,,
Brush and hind quarters covered with long

hair 10

Total 100 Points

ffi o

.u 8

THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 137

THE LONG-HAIRED BLUE CAT

Until the comparatively recent advent of the Creams
and Chinchillas, I think there is no doubt cats of this
colour have been the most popular of any, and I am not
sure, even now, if there are not more of them to be found
than of any other variety of long-haired cat.

Many of them are exceedingly beautiful, and they
lend themselves to such a variety in shades, from the
deepest slate blue to the palest lavender, that fanciers can
usually find something to suit their taste.

Show committees, from the Crystal Palace down-
wards, have done much to foster the growth of the favour
which has been bestowed on the Blues ; as many attractive
special prizes have been offered for the best male, best
female, best single or pair of kittens, and probably more
valuable prizes have been won by Blues than by all other
kinds of long-haired cats together, and for a long time,
if not still, there were many breeders and fanciers who
kept no other variety.

Where the cats are not divided by sex, I think a large
class of Blues is one of the most difficult to judge, as you
will often find four or five quite distinct shades of the
colour, and, if they are fairly in coat, the running is
sometimes very even.

In this variety, I think, more than in most, the females
are sometimes better than the males, and I have often seen
one of the latter gain the coveted prize, as " Best in the
Show," but in these days it requires a good and almost
perfect specimen to do that at one of the larger shows.

138 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

The head should be large and massive, face short,
nose dark, sides of face and neck well covered with hair .

Ears well carried, small, covered with soft hair on out-
sides, with tufts of hair inside and at tips.

Eye nearly round in shape, large in size and ex-
pressive, a sort of yellowy orange in colour.

Chest and shoulders, broad and well covered with
long straight hair in abundance.

Coat, dense and long all over the body, nearly reach-
ing the ground at the sides, quite straight and soft in
texture.

Legs and feet of sufficient strength without any
coarseness, and free from any bars, spots, or markings.

The tail and hind quarters with plenty of long
straight hair on them, the former very full and profuse.

The size of males may average to twelve pounds,
and of females, nearly approaching that weight, perhaps
eleven pounds.

Colour should be some shade of blue, which, as I
said before, gives a wide range for taste, but whatever
it is, should be pure, without tint or any mark or bar,
some failing here and showing a Tabby cross at some time
or other.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
LONG-HAIRED BLUE CATS

Head, size, shape, and type . 3r$ . . 10 Points
Ears, small and well carried . * * . y.: i 5 „
Eyes, expressive, large and full . v , ,v 10 „

BLUE — UCH. HOLMWOOD SKITTLES."
Noted Prize Winner. Owner, Miss Jay.

BLUE — "CH. MABEL OF LOZELLS."
Owner, C. W. Witt.

To face page 138.

THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 139

Feet and legs, short rather than leggy . . 5 Points
Coat, long and deep on body and sides . .20 „
Shoulders and chest, well frilled and maned . 10 „
Thighs and tail, heavily coated . . .10,,
Condition and general appearance . 1 5 „

Colour, pure self blue as free from shade or

markings as possible . . . .10,,
Size, males about twelve pounds, females

eleven pounds . . . . 5 „

Total 100 Points

THE LONG-HAIRED CREAM CAT

There may be, in fact I have no doubt there are,
many who will say this is not long enough established
to be constituted a distinct variety, but, as there are
many devoting themselves to producing specimens, and
these have appeared again and again at various ages,
showing that they are being bred true to type, and
possess much delicacy and beauty of colouring, I think
the Creams are entitled to consider they have proved
their right to be as much a distinct variety as several
other members of the long-haired cat family.

The head should be of moderate size, broad across
the forehead, short in face, and nicely feathered on the
sides of neck and face.

The ears small and unobtrusive, but, of course, with
the typical tufts inside, and points to tips, as desired in
the other colours.

1 40 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

The eyes round, but not too prominent, soft and
liquid in expression and match ing in colour,harmonising
with the coat and a golden yellow in colour.

The shoulders and chest, with mane and frill, well,
but not excessively developed, as I fancy animals of
their colour do not usually carry so much coat as others
or may appear not to do so from their neutral tint.

Legs and feet, fine in bone, and rather short than
long. Hind quarters and brush covered with long
straight hair, which has the appearance of being more
woolly in texture and less silky than in most of the
other colours, and the brush not so voluminous in
size.

The coat should be long and straight, with dense
undercoat of soft, close hair, more profuse on the
back and sides.

Condition should be fairly plump, without being
big, or any tendency to coarseness, rather inclining to
length of body and flatness at sides.

Colour, a sort of pale drab or cream all over, with
perhaps, a little warmer tint on the ears, shoulders, upper
part of back and brush, but not so as to break the
harmony of the whole.

Size, about ten pounds for males, and a little less for
females, this, in my view, being a variety which is not
improved by attaining great weight.

I am not aware that any scale has been published of
the points to be desired for show specimens, so that
I give my ideas upon it, with some diffidence, for
the guidance of the novices amongst my readers.

WHITE NEUTER — "LAUREL SHAH."
1st, Crystal Palace, etc., etc. Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 140.

THE LONG-HAIRED CAT

141

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
LONG-HAIRED CREAM CATS

Head, rather small than large
Ears, decidedly small and unobtrusive .
Eyes, expressive, rather than bold or prominent
Legs and feet, not long, and fine in bone
Shoulders and chest, with only fair mane and
frill ....'..'.

Brush, and hind quarters, neither very full .
Coat, and undercoat, of moderate length
Condition, plump, but with no fat or coarse-
ness .......

Colour, pale drab to be the prominent shade .

Size for males, about ten pounds ; females, eight

to nine pounds .....

10 Points

5
5
5

10
10

20

Total 100 Points

CHAPTER XX

THE LONG-HAIRED CHINCHILLA CAT

No doubt, the ideal for cats of this colour is the
beautiful little animal known as the Chinchilla, a
rodent closely allied to the Rabbit tribe, and a native
of South America, whose fur has been for many years
an article of commerce ; I think almost entirely used
for trimmings to female attire, in these and other
countries, and probably many of my readers have
often seen the graceful little animals in zoological
collections, or museums, and so will not require to be
told that its fur may be said to be composed of very
soft hair, of shades of a delicate grey, interspersed with
some black hairs, which give it the effect of a slight
ticking on the surface, with lighter shades under-
neath.

I need not say that cats of this colour, correctly
coloured, are very beautiful creatures, perhaps equal to,
if not superior than, any others, and they have of late
years been much in vogue with exhibitors.

The head is not large, though typical in shape.

The ears also are small, and almost merged in hair
of neck and head.

142

CHINCHILLA — "CH. AMEER."
Great Prize Winner. Owner, Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison.

To face page 142.

THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 143

The eyes are large for the size of head, and emerald
green in colour, round, but not protruding.

The feet and legs are fairly long, but not strong in
bone.

The frill is more developed than the mane on chest
and shoulders.

The hind quarters and brush are well covered with
soft long hair, but not usually of great dimensions.

The coat is uniformly thick and abundant all over the
back and sides.

Condition is important, but quality is the main
feature.

The colour is made of greys, light and dark, with
delicate black tints on surface.

The size is about an average of nine pounds ; it is not
desirable for specimens to be too large, as this variety, as
before remarked, is one that pre-eminently lends itself to
the display of quality rather than quantity, and every
effort should be made by breeders — and I have every
reason to believe this is being done — to guard against
any approach to coarseness and mere size, at the sacrifice
of the high position and estimation to which the
Chinchilla-coloured long-haired cats have attained in
comparatively a short time, and for which exhibitors
are mainly indebted to the efforts of a few enthusiastic
breeders.

As I said of the Creams, so I may say of these,
I am not aware of any scale for judging them having
been hitherto published, and, owing to the fierce
discussion which has long been raging as to the

I44

RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

merits and demerits of the various types and shades,
favoured by one and the other, I am even more diffident
in this case about giving my views as to the

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
LONG-HAIRED CHINCHILLA CATS

Head, fairly broad but not large .
Ears, small and well placed ....
Eyes, round, full and expressive .
Legs and feet, light and elegant in shape
Chest and shoulders, broad and well clothed .
Brush and thighs, covered with long fine hair
Coat, soft, delicate in texture, and voluminous
Condition, firm, not fat or heavy
Colour, pale French grey with dark shadings
Size of males to nine pounds ; females to about
eight pounds .....

10 Points

5
10

5
10

IO

15

IO

20

Total 100 Points

THE LONG-HAIRED BROWN TABBY

This variety, a prime favourite of mine, and of which
I have had several very good specimens at different times,
attains, I think, the greatest size of any of the Long Hairs
and when in full coat, and correct in its markings, is a very
handsome animal.

The head should be round shaped, broad and
massive, well covered with hair at the sides and neck.

I should have said, by-t he-bye, that nearly, if not

CHINCHILLA— "CH. FULMER ZAIDA."
One of the best ever exhibited. Owner, Lady Decies.

To face page 144.

CHINCHILLA — " CH. FULMER LORD SOUTHAMPTON.''
Owner, Lady Decies.

To face page 145.

THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 145

quite, all the Russian Long-haired Cats I have seen have
been of this colour, but they have been less distinctly
marked, their coats more woolly in texture, and their tails
shorter and thicker than the best Persian specimens, and
have not pleased me so much, and I should not advise
any of my readers to cross Persians with one of the
Russians, for even if they attained increased size, I think
it would be more than counterbalanced by coarseness and
want of clearness in markings.

The ears should be small for the size of the head,
and quite surrounded with abundance of hair on the
upper parts of the head, and furnished with fine hair
inside, and at the points.

The eyes large, round, prominent and orange yellow
in colour, with very dignified expression, conveying a
deep sense of self-importance.

The legs and feet large and powerful, but not long
enough to give idea of legginess.

The chest and shoulders should be wide and deep,
mane and frill well developed on each.

The brush should be very profuse and full, and the
hind quarters well covered with long hair.

The coat should be dense and very abundant all
over the body, which should be very large and massive,
without being loaded with fat.

Condition is always important, and should comprise
hard muscular firmness of flesh with well-groomed coat
and graceful outlines of form.

Colour. The ground should be deep rich brown striped
with black. These markings start from a broadish stripe

K

146 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

of black, more or less defined, along the line of the back
bone, which is present to some extent in all the cats
with Tabby markings ; the tail is covered with bars, or
rings of black, and a line of finer stripes of same colour
runs from the forehead, through the ears, and down the
neck, where it merges in the bodycoat. One or even
two bands of black across the chest are a great ornament
and finish. The face is ornamented with flourishes and
stripes of black going swirling round the cheeks, which
are very effective and peculiar to the Cat tribe, from the
tiger downwards ; indeed, a well-marked Tabby has much
in common in this respect with his big relation. Size is
difficult to define, as I think a Brown Tabby may be as
large as you can get him without actual fat or coarseness. I
have had them of fourteen and fifteen pounds, and have often
seen them much heavier, even approaching twenty pounds,
and yet preserving the grace and activity which is part
and parcel of the feline race, as we know what wonderful
accounts are often given by travellers of the achievements
of many of their much larger cousins in foreign climes.

Therefore I will leave the limit of size open, merely
saying I think specimens intended for show purposes
should be at least ten pounds if females, or twelve
pounds if males. I might add that, for those who desire
a cat for the house, as a companion and ornament to the
domestic hearth, I do not think they can improve upon a
Brown Tabby, which is one of the most homely and com-
fortable looking of the feline race, usually of a happy,
contented disposition, and very intelligent and sociable.

This colour, in long and short hairs, has always been

THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 147

a great favourite with artists, and though it is by no
means invariable to find painters of animals so successful
with cats as with other subjects, in the majority of cases
I have seen, when a cat forms part of a picture, a Brown
Tabby has been the sort chosen.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
LONG-HAIRED BROWN TABBY CATS

Head, roundness, breadth, with short face . 10 Points
Ears, small for size of head, tufted and tipped 5 „
Eyes, large, round, prominent and orange

yellow . . . . . .10,,

Shoulders and chest, wide and deep, well

marked . . . . . .10,,

Legs and feet, well boned and powerful . 5 ,,
Brush, very bushy ; hind quarters well

covered . . . . . .10,,

Coat very profuse all over body, with under-
coat . . . . . . . 20 „

Condition, hard, muscular and well groomed 10 „
Colour, rich brown ground, with deep black

markings . . . . . . 15 „

Size, as large as possible, not less than twelve

pounds for males, or ten pounds for females 5 „

Total 100 Points

THE LONG-HAIRED SILVER TABBY CAT
This, to my mind, is a very beautiful variety, but

148 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

another which has suffered from the " booming v of the
Blues, Creams and Chinchillas, although there is little
doubt it has had a good deal to do with the creation of
the last-named colour, and many of the Blues and Creams
show traces of a Tabby having been in the family
genealogical tree at some time or other.

As a rule Silver Tabbies are not very large, the heads,
particularly of the females, being small, but they are
usually what are called " pretty cats," and have a youthful,
juvenile appearance long after they have passed out of
kittenhood.

Their ears are small, and well hidden in soft silky
hair round the upper part of the head and neck.

The eyes, which should be soft and expressive and
bright yellow in colour, are moderately large, and round
shaped.

The chest deep and shoulders fairly wide. As in
others of this family, it is a great point to have at least
one, I prefer two, stripes or bars of black across the chest
from side to side, which gives much character to its appear-
ance, and more frill than mane.

The hind quarters should have plenty of long soft
hair upon them, and the brush should be well covered
in the same way, but usually not so full as in the other
Tabbies.

The legs and feet are fairly long, but fine in bone,
as there should be nothing coarse about a Silver Tabby.

The coat should be abundant and straight all over
the body, which is longer and more lithe in appearance
than some of the others.

TORTOISESHELL— " LAUREL LULU."
Winner many Prizes. Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 149.

THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 149

Condition should be considered so as to have muscle
and activity without too much flesh or approach to
coarseness, which would be quite out of place.

Colour, except that the ground should be a delicate
tint of pale grey, is the same in its markings as given for
the Brown Tabby. The more pure and clear the grey,
and the more intense the black markings, the better the
specimen will be if good in other particulars.

In size I think ten pounds is a fair average weight for
males, and eight or nine pounds for females, but I should
not object to a little more in either sex if the specimen
did not lose in quality ; but what I said of the Creams I may
repeat of the Silver Tabbies, that the best I have seen have
not been very large cats.

I have the impression that of late years a club has been
formed for this variety alone, and if this be so there will
be more encouragement for breeders to bring out high-
class specimens, and prevent their being neglected in the
rush of other varieties for popular favour.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
LONG-HAIRED SILVER TABBIES

Head, small, round and well shaped . .-. 10 Points
Ears, small, unobtrusive, tufted and tipped . 5 ,,

Eyes, round, fairly large and expressive . 10 „
Chest and shoulders, moderately maned and

frilled 10 ,,

Legs and feet, fairly long, but fine in bone . 5 >%

150 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Brush and hind quarters clothed with long

soft hair . "' -It. i -;f,t -v * ' . 10 Points
Coat and undercoat, deep and fairly abundant 20 „
Condition, muscular, without fat or coarseness 10 ,,
Colour, markings same as for Brown Tabbies

on a ground of pure light grey . V 15 ,,
Size, males, ten pounds ; females, eight or

nine pounds * * ' .';••,. . life 5 „

Total 100 Points

THE LONG-HAIRED RED OR ORANGE TABBY CAT

I think this variety from its colour and appearance is
the most like a miniature lion of all the family of domestic
cats, and is often a very handsome animal.

The males especially attain considerable size, and have
much style about them. I do not think they are as a rule
so friendly with strangers at anyrate as the other Tabbies,
and are rather disposed to be masterful in their disposition
towards their comrades.

Sometimes they are seen almost entirely without any
Tabby markings, and I think some breeders are trying to
produce a strain of this kind, which they term "orange,"
but I am not sure this has yet been quite accomplished
so that they could be relied on to breed true to type,
though I think they would be very attractive.

The head should be very large, round, and furnished
with much soft hair at the sides and neck.

The ears fairly large, often a deeper tint of red than

BeU

RED TABBY — " CH. PUCK.;1
Winner numerous Prizes. Owner, Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison.

ORANGE TABBY— "CH. GOLDEN BUTTERFLY."
Owner, Mrs Dean.

To face page 150.

THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 151

the surroundings, with large tufts inside, and well tipped
with soft feathery hair.

The eyes should be very large, round, gold colour
tinted with green, and very leonine in expression.

The chest and shoulders broad and deep, well covered
with long, straight, soft hair, forming abundant mane and
frill.

The legs and feet fairly long, strong in bone, and
covered to the toes with soft fine hair.

The brush should be very full and bushy, and the
hind quarters clothed with long straight hair, nearly
reaching to the knees.

The coat should be deep and profuse all over the
body, which should be large and muscular in its pro-
portions.

The condition should be hard and firm, without mere
fat, and the appearance graceful and stately, with a good
deal of grandeur about it.

The colour may be defined to be a pale yellow, with
stripes and markings disposed as that described for the
Brown Tabby, but of a rich red orange hue. Of course,
in those mentioned as " orange cats," the markings are
absent, and the prevailing tint is the red orange only,
but these are certainly not so often seen as the Red
Tabbies, from which they no doubt originate.

In size the Red or Orange Tabbies frequently are
seen as large as any of the long-haired varieties, and
specimens scaling fourteen and fifteen pounds are by no
means uncommon — I mean the males, as the females are
not usually so large.

152 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING LONG-
HAIRED RED OR ORANGE TABBY CATS

Head, large, round, massive . . .10 Points
Ears, fairly large, well tufted and tipped with

hair .... 5

Eyes, very large, round, gold with green tint 10 „
Chest and shoulders, wide and deep, well frilled

and maned . . . . . .10,,

Legs and feet, strong in bone and muscular . 5 „
Hind quarters well clothed, brush large and

full 10 „

Coat, long and deep all over, with thick under

coat ....... 20 „

Condition, not fat, but hard and muscular .10 „
Colour, clear and distinct Tabby markings of

rich red on a pale yellowish ground . 15 ,,
Size of males to fifteen pounds ; of females to

eleven or twelve pounds . . 5 ,,

Total 100 Points

DARK SMOKE — " CH. BACKWELL JOGRAM."
Winner numerous Pmes. Owner, Mrs H. V, James.

To face page 153.

CHAPTER XXI

THE LONG-HAIRED SMOKE CAT

THIS variety, which personally I admire very much and
have had many of them at one time or the other, may be
subdivided again into Dark and Light, as there are some
which almost look black until their coats are examined,
and others that look a greyish blue, but belong to
neither of those shades.

I suppose it is admitted all round that although they
now breed pretty true to type, even if Dark and Light be
found in one litter, it is one of the manufactured
varieties, and that this is probably the reason I have never
yet seen in any book about cats a definition of what
constitutes a " Smoke," either Short or Long-haired Cat, or
any standard for their judging.

But, as some of my fellow rabbit fanciers may say I
have not hesitated to give my ideas of some varieties of
their pets which have not appeared before in any book on
rabbits, so I will endeavour to convey to my readers
amongst cat fanciers my ideas as to what Smokes should
be.

Head, large, round with plenty of hair on the

'53

154 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

cheeks, face short and moderately broad, neck well
covered.

Ears, rather large, tufted inside but with nothing pro-
minent in the way of tipping, and the colour of the dark
parts of the body.

Eyes should be very large and prominent ; orange in
colour for the Dark, and orange yellow for the Light
shades of Smoke, lustrous and expressive.

Shoulders and chest covered with abundance of long
straight hair, forming profuse mane and frill.

Legs and feet moderate in length, but muscular and
strong in bone.

Brush very full and bushy ; hind quarters muscular,
large, and clothed with plenty of long straight hair.

Coat voluminous all over, reaching nearly to the
ground at sides when in full feather, with dense under-
coat.

Condition, hard, firm and muscular without superflu-
ous flesh ; body not so long or flat in appearance as in
some varieties — perhaps cobbiness would express my
meaning.

In size there is usually much difference in the sexes,
for while the males often approach twelve to fourteen
pounds, the females may average from eight to ten
pounds, but I think rarely exceed the latter weight.

Colour is of much importance in this variety, for
though some may fancy a bad black is a Dark Smoke,
and a bad blue a Light Smoke, this is not my
view.

I think each is made up of two distinct shades, the

K 2

u

a

I! cj
O «

THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 155

Dark being almost black on the surface with a shade
underneath, easily seen by blowing or parting the hair,
of real smoke colour ; and the Light is almost blue on
the surface, and a delicate light grey of the shade known
as French grey underneath. All the points or ex-
tremities, such as face, ears, legs, feet and brush, should
mainly appear of the darkest shade of the coat.

The general effect of these cats is very pleasing — at
least that is my view of them — and they, particularly those
entitled to be classed as Dark Smokes, always give me the
impression of bearing a strong resemblance to a sheikh,
in the picturesque contrast those Eastern folk offer in
their peculiar garb ; and I remember how much I was
fascinated with the first specimen of the variety which
came under my notice at a show many years since, where
I was an exhibitor and I was pleased to see the judge,
whose name I do not remember, give him first prize in a
large mixed class of all kinds of long-haired cats.

One of my Crystal Palace winners is given as an
illustration of this variety ; also, a well-known Champion.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
LONG-HAIRED SMOKE CATS

Head, large, round, with short, broad face .10 Points
Ears, rather full and open, tufted, but not

much tipping to the points . . . 5 „
Eyes, prominent, large, round and intelligent ;
orange for Dark, yellow orange for
Light *. . . ;.' . v 10 „

156 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Chest and shoulders, broad, deep, and the

former of the lighter shades of coat . , 5 Points

Legs and feet, not long, but powerful and

well boned . *. . . >.; . 5 „

Hind quarters, muscular and long-haired;
brush, very large and profuse, partaking
of both shades . .. . . . 10 ,,

Coat, profuse all over body, coming well down
over sides with long soft hair in abun-
dance . . . v-i , » . 20 ,,

Condition, hard and muscular, not flat-sided . 10 „

Colour, nearly black outside, light smoke
under in the Dark, and pure blue out-
side and pale grey under in the Light . 20 ,,

Size, males, twelve to fourteen pounds ;
females, eight to ten pounds, in both
shades c

Total IOQ Points

THE TORTOISESHELL LONG-HAIRED CAT

Many contend that this is not a proper colour for a
long-haired cat of any kind, and that it is never seen in
the countries from whence they originally came.

I am very much inclined to believe in the truth of
this contention, but the fact remains that we have the
cats, and I must plead guilty to having owned and taken
many prizes with cats of this colour, but I am not much
enamoured of them all the same, and I think every one

SILVER TABBY— "CH. ABDUL HAMET OF DINGLEY."
Owner, Miss Leake.

face page 156.

SILVER TABBY—" CH. THAMES VALLEY SILVER KING."
Noted Winner everywhere. Owner, Miss Derby-Hyde.

THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 157

that I had were presents from friends who wanted to find
homes for favourites they were unable to keep.

Although I have not tried the experiment, I have
been told by breeders that they have bred excellent Blues
from a Tortoiseshell dam with a Blue sire ; but though I
have bred good Whites from a Black dam, and many
Blacks of pure colour from a Tortoiseshell dam with a
Red Tabby sire, I should have thought to attempt Blues
in same way with a Blue sire would be rather speculative.

Be this as it may, I am assured it is a fact that some
breeders keep Tortoiseshell females entirely for their use
in breeding operations.

As such a thing as even a long-haired Tortoiseshell
male is rarely seen, my remarks on what I think they
should be must be taken to apply to the females only.

The head should be only of moderate size, fairly
broad across the forehead, and fringed with soft hair.

The ears rather full and large, with tufts inside, but
not much feathering at tips.

The eyes large, full, lustrous in expression and orange
in colour.

The shoulders and chest well provided with long
mane and frill of soft straight hair, and wide and deep
in themselves.

The legs and feet rather long but fine in bone and
elegant in shape.

The brush fairly full and bushy, but not very large,
and hind quarters covered with long hair.

The coat plentiful all over, but not of great length ;
more so at the sides than on the upper part.

158 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

The condition firm, but lithe and active in general
appearance, without great muscular power.

The colour should be as like a tortoiseshell comb as
possible, made up of yellows, blacks and reds in due pro-
portions, neither predominating too much, but the whole
giving a pleasing effect.

The size should be from eight to ten pounds. I
think the latter will be found the limit weight.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
LONG-HAIRED TORTOISESHELL CATS

Head, round, not too large, and fairly broad 10 Points

Ears, rather large, and with open carriage . ... 5 „

Eyes, full and large, round and orange yellow 10 ,,
Chest and shoulders, wide and deep, well

covered . . ^ r , .• . ... : . 5 „

Legs and feet, fine in bone, and rather long , 5 „
Brush, not very large ; hind quarters, fully

clothed ....'. ; . 10 ,,

Coat, profuse over body, more so at sides ^,._- 15 „
Condition, plump, without being fat, and

lightness and elegance a prevailing feature 10 ,,
Colour, mingling of the three prescribed

shades, without any white at all . . ... • 25 „
Size, from eight to ten pounds, latter rarely

exceeded W. . . .. C .,

Total 100 Points

f?

GREY TABBY — "CH. LAUREL LEOPOLD."
1st, Crystal Palace, etc., etc. Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 158.

THE LONG-HAIRED CAT 159

ANY OTHER VARIETY OF LONG-HAIRED CATS

As I have dealt in the foregoing sketches with all the
colours for which classes are provided at even the
largest shows, those remaining to be noticed will be some
of the same, varied with white markings.

These will be Black and White, Blue and White,
Tabby and White, and Tortoiseshell and White, of which
the Tabby and White are by far the most numerous, as they
include Brown, Silver, Red and Grey, Tabby and White.

It will not be necessary to say anything about the
formation of the animals, as in each case that will be the
same as for the main colour in the coat.

Uniformity of markings is very important, and the
general rule as to this may be described as follows : —

The upper part of the head should be of the main colour,
while a white blaze should run up the face between the
eyes and comprising the mouth and chin, with white chest,
fore feet, and the lower parts of the hind feet. No spots
or splashes of white should be in the main colour anywhere.

Attention should be paid to the character of the main
colour of each specimen ; that is, the Black, White,
Blue, or Smoke should be pure, and whole coloured, not
patchy or smudged, and the .Tabbies and Tortoiseshells
should be good of their several varieties. Of course it
will sometimes happen that specimens make their appear-
ance, spotted, barred or striped, not coming strictly
under any of the above descriptions, but in such
cases they must be judged on their merits after com-
parison with the other competitors.

160 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

I am not much inclined to favour any of the cats with
white markings for exhibition purposes — except perhaps
Tortoiseshell and White, which are often very pretty — and
I know many breeders will not have them at any price.

I think those having the best chance at a show are the
Red Tabby and White, and the Tortoiseshell and White,
both of which are often very pretty animals. Next to them
come perhaps the Brown and Grey Tabbies and White,
and the Silver Tabby and White ; then the Black and
White, though I have seldom seen specimens of this
variety correctly marked ; and lastly the Blue and Smoke
and White.

Unless the Self Whites, all cats, in my opinion, are
more valuable either for sale or exhibition if entirely
without white markings.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING ANY OTHER
VARIETY OF LONG-HAIRED CATS

Head . 10 Points

Ears ... 5 ,,

Eyes . 10

Chest and shoulders . . . . .10,,

Legs and feet . . . . . 5 ,,

Brush and hind quarters . . . 5 „

Coat . . . . . . 20 „

Condition and appearance . . . .10,,

Colour and uniformity of markings . .20 ,,

Size, following main colour . . . 5 ,,

Total 100 Points

S .^<u

a -a

H .^jj

ill

CHAPTER XXII

THE SHORT-HAIRED BLACK CAT

CONTRARY to the popular opinion, what I should call a
real black cat is not by any means an everyday specimen
to be met with. Scores of times I have been told of grand
black cats, which when they came to be handled were not
all black, but had a white speck somewhere, either on the
neck, chin, chest, or one of the feet, and even at the tip of
the tail.

Numbers of the colour fail in their eyes, in respect of
size, shape, and especially their colour. I think I am not
overstepping the mark if I say not one black cat in a
hundred is perfect in this point.

One of the best I ever saw belonged to a friend of
mine, a well-known fancier ; it was a stray, " come by
chance," of whose previous history nothing was known,
but when it was offered to him my friend planked down
five sovereigns for it without any hesitation, though I
expect it was the highest price ever reached for a short-
haired black cat, and I saw it again and again with first
and special prize cards on its pen.

Another point in which this variety is often defective
is the tail, which should be moderately long and fairly
L 161

1 62 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

substantial ; a thin, lanky tail is an abomination, and
should be avoided ; I think it is more often met with in
female specimens, but is most objectionable in either sex.

The head, especially in the males, should be fairly
large, round, and broad across the forehead, not too long
in face nor mean in muzzle, well cheeked, and with a
dignified bearing.

The ears should be fairly large and broad where they
spring from the head, and carried erect and open.

The eyes are of more importance than in most
varieties, as they are so often seen a pale yellowish green,
but should be a deep orange, or yolk-like yellow, large,
round, and imperious in expression.

The body should be well-knit and powerful in shape,
combining strength and activity.

The neck rather short and strong, with wide shoulders
and broad chest.

The legs rather long and well boned, with small round
feet.

The tail of moderate length and of tapering thickness
from the root to the tip.

The coat should be deep and close lying, soft to the
touch and shining to the eye, perhaps sleek is an expressive
term for it.

The colour should be pure glossy, not sooty black, with-
out a spot or mark anywhere, having almost a bloom on it.

Condition should be hard and muscular, without fat,
and general appearance of activity and alertness.

Size of males to twelve pounds ; females, to eight
pounds.

WHITE — UCH. BALLOCHMYLE BILLIE BLUE EYES."
Four Championships, many First Prizes. Owner, Lady Alexander.

To face page 163.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT

163

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
SHORT-HAIRED BLACK CATS

Head .

Ears ......

Eyes ......

Body

Legs and feet

Tail . ... . . : . .

Coat . ... , . *

Colour . .

Condition and general appearance.

Size .

,» 0 ; . 10 Points

• v 5 »

,v J5 »

,. 10 „

;'fe /V ' 5 «

• * X0 j>

'.• 10 „

. 20 „

• .IO „

r

Total 100 Points

THE SHORT-HAIRED WHITE CAT

This is a great favourite with the writer, who for
some years had probably the best team of the colour,
with the desired blue eyes, ever seen in the possession of
one owner, and they took prizes wherever shown.

He also had a neuter of the same colour, a very fine
specimen, scaling fifteen pounds when in form, who took
first prize in his class, five years in succession, at the
Crystal Palace Cat Shows ; and was so perfect in other
respects that, but for his eyes being amber colour, instead
of blue, would have been <c a hard nut to crack " for the
best short-haired cats of any colour. This cat and one
of the writer's champions are two of the illustrations
herewith given. As I have said of the long-haired Whites,

164 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

so I may say of this variety, it is not unusual to find
partial or total deafness amongst them, and any intending
purchasers should satisfy themselves in this matter
before concluding negotiations.

I always fancy I can tell by their countenance if
they have this affliction, but it is well to make sure
before purchasing, as a deaf cat is often a nuisance, and
seldom much good as a mouser.

The head should be fairly big, very rounded in shape ;
not very short in face ; broad across the upper part of the
head, and deep in muzzle.

The ears, rather large, and wide at base, very open to
the front, and carried bolt upright.

The eyes, which should match in size and colour,
should be large, full, very intelligent and wide awake in
expression, and of turquoise blue in shade.

The body should not be very long, but moderately
thick in shape, with rounded sides and limbs.

The legs should be longish and fairly strong in bone,
with round small feet.

The tail rather thick than lanky, and carried with a
curve below the line of the back.

The coat should be short and deep, fine and glossy
in texture, with dense undercoat.

The colour should be pure flake white, without any
tint or shade in it.

The condition should be firm and compact, with a
comfortable general appearance and aspect.

Size of males to ten or eleven pounds ; females, seven
to eight pounds.

WHITE — "CH. LAUREL EMPEROR.'
Winner numerous Prizes. Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 1 64.

WHITE, NEUTER— " LAURE
Winner nineteen First Prizes, Crystal Palace, etc

e C ^- Lane,

To fa

164.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 165

I should have said, in my experience I have rarely
met with a bad-tempered cat of this colour, they are
usually very sociable, and make charming cats for the
house, and, as a rule, keep themselves wonderfully
clean.

Of course, for exhibition purposes they may require
extra attention, but generally it will be found that a
good drenching of the coat with fine flour, which may be
done with an ordinary kitchen dredger, and afterwards
brushing it carefully out, will give all the cleansing
required, and give less risk of cold by washing, which is
often a very troublesome operation with cats.

The illustrations to this sketch are Champions
Ballochmyle, Billie Blue Eyes, Laurel Emperor and
Laurel Leonidas, the latter both belonging to the
writer, and winners of numerous prizes at all the best
shows. The last named was one of the largest white
short-haired cats ever shown.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
SHORT-HAIRED WHITE CATS

Head 10 Points

Ears. . 5 „

Eyes. . . 15 „

Body ........ 10 „

Legs and feet ...... 5 „

Tail . . , 5 „

Coat . . . . . 10 „

Colour 25 „

1 66 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Condition and general appearance . . 10 Points

5 „

Total 100 Points

THE SHORT-HAIRED BLUE CAT

I think there is no difference of opinion that this
variety came originally from Russia, but it is now quite
acclimatised, and breeds freely in this country, though I
should not consider it common.

It always strikes me, both in its colour and ways, as
having more of the wild animal about it than any other of
the domestic cats.

It is usually very quiet and undemonstrative in
manner, and not particularly sociable, but I have not
found it bad - tempered, more what I should call
reserved.

A well-shaped, even-coloured specimen of this variety
generally gets into the first three, in a class of all kinds
of short-haired cats, and also stands a good chance in a
class for Self-coloured Short Hairs, or Short-haired Foreign
Cats.

At many of the larger shows classes are provided for
Short-haired Blues, when it may be observed how
many different shades there are of this very neutral colour,
and, unless divided by sex, how much smaller the females
are than the males.

I have known more than one instance of blue kittens,

BLUE — "CH. BALLOCHMYLE BROTHER BUMP."
Four Championships, many First Prizes. Owner, Lady Alexander.

BLUE— " BALLOCHMYLE BLUE QUEEN."
1st, Crystal Palace ; 1st, Westminster, etc., etc. Owner, Lady Alexander.

To face page 167.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 167

being born to British bred and born cats, without any
known trace of Russian blue blood in their veins, but I
always think they fail in type, though fairly correct in
colour. They are often mean and pinched in muzzle, and
with a different expression of countenance, to that
noticeable in those whose ancestors were imported
specimens.

The head should be round, fairly large in males, but
much smaller in females, broad and well-filled-out cheeks,
and rather short face and dark nose.

The ears rather large, full and open, wider than most
of the Short Hairs.

The eyes should be large, round, rather sleepy in ex-
pression, and orange yellow in colour.

The body should be closely knit, compact and rounded
in its outlines, not very long, and without flat appearance
at the sides.

Legs and feet rather short than long, and muscular.

The tail inclined to be short and substantial.

The coat should be short, dense and close lying,
giving a sleek appearance.

The colour should be a slaty plum - coloured blue,
and should be even all over, without tints or marks ;
in very light-coloured specimens the eyes may be
yellow.

Condition should be hard and workmanlike, and the
appearance always conveys the idea to me of a diminutive
specimen of the Puma.

Size of males, eight to ten pounds ; of females, about
six to eight pounds.

1 68 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
SHORT-HAIRED BLUE CATS

Head . .... ; . .

10 Points

Ears. . . .. 5. .

- 5 »

Eyes . . ...

. 10 „

Body. . . ...

. 10 „

Legs and feet ....

- 5 »

Tail

5 ^

Coat ......

. 20 „

Colour . .

• 25 „

Condition and general appearance

r

Size . . .

• 5 ,,

Total 100 Points

CHAPTER XXIII

THE SHORT-HAIRED RED TABBY CAT

THIS variety is remarkable in two ways : the males are
usually the only mates available for Tortoiseshell and
Tortoiseshell and White females, for those desiring to
perpetuate either of those two colours ; and females of
this variety free from white markings are considered
more scarce than those of any other kind of female short-
haired cat.

For some reason, which I have never heard explained,
the best short-haired Tabbies — Red, Brown and Silver —
seem to have emanated from the North of England, Lan-
cashire, Durham and Yorkshire in particular, and many
of the greatest prize-winners of the past, as well as most
of the best known now, appear to have come from these
counties.

A really well-marked Red Tabby, in good form, is a
very handsome animal, and worthy of admiration.

The illustrations to this sketch are Champion Balloch-
myle Perfection, the property of Lady Alexander, and
probably one of the best ever exhibited ; the other, Lord
Rufus, a great winner, was first exhibited at a small show
in Wiltshire, where he was claimed by the Rev. D. G.

169

170 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Truss, and some time afterwards came into the possession
of the writer, who had him for some years.

The head should be fairly large, well rounded in shape,
not long in face, and tolerably strong in muzzle and throat.

The ears should be rather small, carried erect, with a
forward turn, not very wide at base, clean cut and neat.

The eyes should be large, round, bold in expression
and yellow in colour.

The legs and feet : the former should be rather long
and well boned, the latter round and small.

The body should be deep in chest, but lengthy in
barrel, and rather narrow across the back and hind quarters.

The tail should be long, but not thin, tapering towards
the tip, and marked with rings throughout.

The coat should be fine, dense and sleek, not long
anywhere, and have a glossy appearance.

The colour is composed of a rich creamy yellow
ground, barred and striped with rich red, sometimes
nearly as deep as chocolate, and disposed in much the
same way as on the Bengal tiger, which may be looked
upon as the c< Emperor of Tabby cats."

The ground colour and the markings should each
be as clear and distinct as possible, and unmixed with any
other shade or tint, and the difficulty of obtaining this
is the reason high-class specimens of this variety are so
scarce and valuable.

Condition should be firm as to flesh, glossy as to
coat, and appearance that of an active, alert animal.

Size varies a good deal in the sexes ; for while males
of twelve pounds and over are not uncommon, the females

RED TABBY— "CH. BALLOCHMYLE PERFECTION."
Winner of two Gold Medals, 100 First Prizes, etc. Owner, Lady Alexander.

RED TABBY, NEUTER— " LORD RUFUS."
Winner many Prizes and Specials. Owner, C. II. Lane.
To face page \ 70.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 171

may not average more than from eight to ten pounds,
and probably the majority will not exceed the first-named
weight.

I consider both sexes of this variety are keen vermin
killers as a rule, not confining their attention to rats
and mice only, but engaging with weasels, stoats, and
even polecats, if they come in their way.

They are all right with people they know, but I have
not found them very sociable with strangers, nor are they
disposed to be friendly towards other people's cats who may
trespass on what they look upon as their domain, and a
word followed by a blow is generally their order of battle ;
and it takes a good warrior, of any variety of cat to <c take
down " an adult male Red Tabby fairly on his mettle.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
SHORT-HAIRED RED TABBY CATS

Head . . . . . . .10 Points

Ears . . . 5 „

Eyes . . . . . . . 10 5,

Body 10 „

Legs and feet ...... 5 ,,

Tail 5 „

Coat 10 „

Colour . . . . . . . 25 „

Condition and general appearance . 15 ,,

Size ........ 5 ,,

Total 100 Points

172 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

THE SHORT-HAIRED SILVER TABBY CAT

Although it is very rare to see specimens of this
variety attain great size, I think they are very pretty
animals, and generally admired.

I think I have had more of them than anyone else I
remember, in the South or West of England, and for
many years could bench or pen the best team of the
colour probably ever seen in the possession of one owner,
comprising a champion of each sex, and three or four
runners up.

I won scores of prizes with those at all the best shows,
and there were no short-haired cats better known ; one
of them, a female, own sister to Mrs George Herring's
Jimmy, was, I should imagine, the best female short-haired
cat ever exhibited.

Her brother was a very handsome cat, took numerous
prizes, and was the only cat I remember taking the Gold
Medal of the National Cat Club, at the Crystal Palace
Show, as c< best Cat, Long or Short-haired," in the show.

On several occasions his sister was put over him, and
it was always a close thing between them, but they were
both so good, it was almost a case of condition.

Miss Moore had a nice female, Jenny, who was
put over mine once or twice, I think they were aunt and
niece, but she was nothing like so correct in points, nor
did she show herself off so well.

I think Champion Jimmy, Miss Moore's Jenny, and my
own Laurel King, who was her son and a champion like her-
self, were the only three "in the same street" with Champion

SILVER TABBY — " CH. JIMMY."

Gold and Silver Medals and Specials innumerable. Champion Short-Haired
Male Cat. Owner, Mrs Louisa Herring.

To face page 173

SILVER TABBY— "CH. LAUREL KING."
Two Gold Medals, Cup, many First Prizes, etc. Owner, C. II. Lane.

'to face page 173.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 173

Laurel Queen, who had the grace and style of her mother,
Jenny, that came to me from the late Herbert Young of
Harrogate, who was quite an enthusiast about cats, and
a very skilful breeder of them, and he told me he had
her from Mr Sugden of Withnell, near Chorley, Yorkshire,
and her beautiful colour and clear markings she took from
her sire, Champion King of the Fancy, of whose off-
spring I never saw a bad specimen, but I think he was
seldom shown. Laurel Prince, Laurel Silvie and Silver
Star were others of high quality, who took numbers of
prizes, but with three champions of the variety well to the
fore, and all often shown, they had not that chance of
getting to the top of the tree which has been afforded
since. I hope to give, with this sketch, reproductions of
the portraits of Champions Jimmy and Laurel Queen,
brother and sister, and Champion Laurel King, son of
last named, as representative specimens of the variety.

I believe it is not only unique in the fact that the
three champions were closely related, brother, sister,
nephew, and had taken more and better prizes than any
three short-haired cats living or ever seen, but that it
was the only instance on record where there were three
champions in existence at the same time of any variety
of short-haired cat ; and I do not remember a case since,
but I am not positive about this.

I have owned and seen many Silver Tabbies since, but
none quite as good as those three, in all of which it
was much easier to point out a beauty than to find a
defect.

There is nearly always much difference in the sizes

174 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

of the sexes, and while the males are fairly big cats, the
females are mostly on the small side.

The head should not be large or coarse, fairly short
in face, not pinched in muzzle, and with rounded cheeks.

The ears of medium size, narrow and rounded at top,
broader below.

The eyes round shaped, rather full and brilliant, very
intelligent in expression, deep bright yellow in colour.

Legs and feet longish, fine in bone, and feet small
and neat.

Body rather long in barrel and flat in sides, fairly deep
in chest, but not wide across shoulders.

Tail longish, but not too thin.

Coat, short, fine, glossy, and soft feeling.

Condition and general appearance, firm and compact,
with no superfluous flesh, muscular and lithe, giving
promise of great vivacity of temperament and activity.

Size, perhaps twelve pounds would be a high average
for males, and about eight pounds for females. I have
seen males of this colour closely approaching twenty
pounds, but in all such cases they have lost by being
coarse, and were generally fat ; but I never remember
seeing a female exceeding ten pounds, and I am sure
they rarely come up to that weight.

I should perhaps add that where so many Silver
Tabbies fail is in their ground colour not being clear and
pure, free from any tint, and the black markings not
intense enough.

I have left the speaking of the desired colour to the
last ; the ground should be a sort of pale lavender shade of

/po/« 23 'e/,6.

SILVER TABBY— "CH. LAUREL QUEEN."

Two Gold and many Silver Medals, thirty-five Specials, hundreds of First Prizes
everywhere. Champion Female Short-hair Cat of the World ! Owner,
C. H. Lane.

To face page 174.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 175

French grey, all over, with Tabby markings of pure black
on the face, head, chest, back, sides and tail, precisely as
set out for the other Tabby marked cats ; the ground
between the stripes should be broader than they
are, or they will appear too dark in colour, and the
marks on face, forehead and chest should be distinct and
clear.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
SHORT-HAIRED SILVER TABBY CATS

Head . . . .. < ;;*~ ^. <, 10 Points
Ears . 5 „

Eyes. . . .5

Body and shape . .; . ,v .- ;.•:: 10 „

Legs and feet . :^;r . . , >'« • 5

Tail . . |ft O."i: ;* . . -V 5

Coat . . . ?. ju;<- n£, i . .<.. IO

Size . . . v-r >X' . . . * 10
Condition and appearance . . . 15 „

Colour and markings . . . ^., 25 „

Total 100 Points

THE SHORT-HAIRED BROWN TABBY CAT

Everyone thinks they know, and have often seen, a
specimen of this variety, and many fondly fancy "they
have one at home, quite as good as the one that has taken
a prize at the show," for I have often heard them say so,

176 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

in quite a loud voice, at the show, but did not believe it
any the more for that !

In fact, real Brown Tabbies are comparatively rare,
and when you find one good one, you will discover at
least fifty not up to the mark.

I think the best Brown Tabby that has been brought
out for many years was the late Champion Xenophon, the
property of Lady Decies, and I have always thought I did
a foolish thing in refusing the offer of him, long before
her ladyship ever heard of him, when I could have had
him for less than a quarter of the price for which he was
afterwards sold to a friend of mine.

It so happened, I had a lot of cats, some thirty or
forty I think, at the time, and was not anxious for more,
and so missed my chance ; and although, whenever they
met, whether at the Crystal Palace, or any other large
shows, my Brown Tabby, Laurel Quar, who was really
a better brown in colour than he, but lost to him in size
and general appearance, had to play second fiddle as long
as he remained in the band ; it would have been more
satisfactory to have owned both, when I could have made
each a champion, as I held the winning cards, with two
champions in Whites and the same in Silver Tabbies,
which were the only two varieties to be much feared.

I am pleased, however, that Xenophon got into good
and appreciative hands, in both his late owners, and that he
had a thoroughly good time.

I am glad to give the reproduction of a capital portrait
of him, as I think, taking him all round, he was the best
specimen of the variety I can call to mind ; I mean with

BROWN TABBY—" CH. FULMER XKNOPHON."
Best Brown Tabby ever exhibited. Owner, Lady Decies.

BROWN TABBY— " LAUREL QUAR."
Winner numerous First and Second Prizes, Crystal Palace, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane.

7i? face bage 1 ;

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 177

less faults and more beauties ; and when in form I would
have taken him in preference to anyone else's cat (of course,
not including my own) in the show, although, that is what
our American cousins would call "rather a large order/'

Now, to give my views about this variety. As long as
it is not coarse, I like the head large and massive, well
rounded at sides, fairly long in face, strong in muzzle, and
broad across forehead.

Ears of medium size, wide at base, narrowing and
rounded at tips.

Eyes very full and brilliant, orange yellow in colour,
with a glint of green within ; very expressive.

Body large and powerful in build, being long and
deep, with broad chest and shoulders.

Legs strong and with plenty of bone ; feet not large,
and round shaped.

Tail long rather than short, but very thick at root,
with gradual tapering towards the tip.

Coat should be moderately long, dense and close, with
a glossy appearance to it.

Condition should be hard, fine and muscular.
Appearance that of an active but powerful animal, with
a due sense of self-importance about it, and a great deal
of style.

Size, males up to twenty pounds ; perhaps twelve to
fifteen pounds a good average ; females, from eight to
eleven pounds, more to be seen within than exceeding
those limits.

Colour to be as rich in the brown colouring of the
ground as possible, and the black stripes, bars and curves

M

I78

RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

to be as intense in shade as obtainable, the one or two
stripes across chest, forming the Lord Mayor's chain, in
particular should be much in evidence.

When one has the opportunity of seeing a downright
first-class specimen of this variety, it is a thing, in the words
of the late Captain Cuttle, " to be made a note of."

The illustrations to this sketch are portraits of
Champion Xenophon and the writer's Laurel Quar, two of
the best specimens of the variety seen for many years.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
SHORT-HAIRED BROWN TABBY CATS

Head

Ears

Eyes ......

Body and shape .....

Legs and feet .....

Tail. ;

Coat

Condition and appearance .

Size .......

Colour and markings ....

Total 100 Points

IO

Points

5

,,

IO

5 »

IO

„

5

35

5

J5

IO

5)

10

„

IO

5)

25

5)

THE SPOTTED TABBY SHORT-HAIRED CAT

As far as my experience goes, this is by far the least
common of all the Tabbies, and correctly - marked
specimens are very rarely seen. I am bound to say they

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 179

do not receive much encouragement, as at very few shows
indeed do they have classes provided for them, and even
then nearly always have to be shown all together.

The title of each depends on the ground colour of the
coat. There are Brown, Grey, Silver and Red- Spotted
Tabbies, of which I fancy the last is most often seen, but
generally fails in the brightness and distinctness of its
spots, and the ground is often a washy pale yellow, which
gives a blurred look to the coat.

A really well-marked Spotted Tabby, especially that
called Silver, is a very pretty animal, but too rarely seen.

The head should be small, medium in size, neither
short in face nor pinched in muzzle.

The ears standing well open to the front, rounded at
tips and not too wide at base.

The eyes round, full, and intelligent-looking, and in
colour follow the rules laid down for the several Tabbies.

The body rather long and flat-sided, not heavy
limbed, but light and active in build.

The legs rather long than short, the feet small and
compact.

The tail long and gracefully carried, tapering to the
end, but not thin or skinny-looking.

The coat should be short, fine, close lying and glossy
in appearance and feeling soft to the touch.

The condition should be firm, moderately muscular,
and the general aspect elegant and graceful in outlines.

The size of males may average ten pounds, and of
females about eight pounds, but I do not object to a little
more in each, provided type and quality are present.

i8o RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

The colour is of course very important ; whatever the
ground may be, all the markings everywhere should be
mainly composed of distinct and well-defined spots, which,
except in the case of the Spotted Red Tabby, when they
are a deep rich red, should be nearly black, and the more
they approach this shade the better will be the general
effect.

A great many specimens may be seen with stripes and
spots, but these are not what are wanted, and probably
arise from the inter-breeding of striped with spotted cats.
The only approach to a line or stripe of colour in a
Spotted Tabby is the trace running along the back, and
even this, to be quite in order, should be made up of a
number of spots from the back of the neck to the root of
the tail, which should also be marked with spots from one
end to the other.

I have usually found this variety of a placid and
amiable disposition, perhaps not so playful as some, but
with no disagreeable characteristics.

Of course the colour is a matter of taste, but to my
mind the Silver Spotted Tabby, with dense black spots
on a pale lavender ground, which shows them off well, is
the prettiest of all.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
SPOTTED TABBY SHORT-HAIRED CATS

Head ....... 10 Points

Ears . 5 „

Eyes to follow ground colour . . .10 ,,

%,

SPOTTED SILVER TABBY— " TIDULES."
1st, Crystal Palace, etc. Owner, R. J. Babb.

To face page 181,

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 181

Body and shape . ':,

Legs and feet . ' 'i, . :.

Coat . . .

Condition and general appearance

Size ......

Colour and markings .
Tail.

Total 100 Points

THE NARROW-STRIPED SHORT-HAIRED TABBY CAT

There is one other Tabby variety of which I should
like to say a few words, the more so as, although by no
means rare, it is perhaps not so often seen as the other
members of the family.

It is essentially a Tabby, and, unless restrictions are
specially made at any show, can fairly be shown in
" Tabbies Any Colour " Class.

As a rule it has a dark iron grey ground colour, but
the stripes, which are narrow and should be black, run
down each side, starting from the black trace along the
spine, somewhat in the fashion of the stripes on a tiger.

There is a good difference in the sizes of the sexes, for,
while I have often seen quite large males of this variety, I
never remember seeing more than an ordinary-sized
female.

As far as my experience goes, it is very seldom you see
markings of this particular type on a light grey or silver
ground, or on any specimen of the Red Tabby colour ; so

1 82 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

that although I have never seen a class provided for them,
and have always met them either in Mixed Tabby or Variety
Classes, I think they are as much entitled to be considered
a distinct variety as Spotted Tabbies, and believe there are
plenty of them about if they were looked after and
brought to the front.

Many I have seen were very handsome specimens, and
well worthy of notice, and I have little doubt if taken
up by some careful breeders a good deal might be done
with them.

The head should be round, strong in muzzle, short in
face, and with well-filled cheeks.

The ears rather small, with rounded tips.

The eyes large, round, lustrous and orange yellow,
with a look of green in them ; intelligent expression.

The legs rather short, strong in bone ; feet round.

The body moderately long and deep, broad across
the shoulders, back and hind quarters, cobby more than
lanky.

The tail thick and strong, carried in a curve, marked
with the body colours in rings from end to end.

The coat dense, but not long or coarse, sleek and soft.

The condition muscular, firm and hard, and general
appearance tiger-like and stately.

The size of males to twelve or thirteen pounds ; of
females, to eight or nine pounds.

The colour to be shades of iron grey all over for the
ground, with Tabby markings on face much as in the
other Tabbies, but the body markings to be made up of
narrow black stripes running downwards from the spine.

NARROW STRIPED TABBY — "SILVER/
Owner, Mrs Fossett.

70 face page 183*

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT

183

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING NARROW-
STRIPED SHORT-HAIRED TABBY CATS.

Head ...
Ears .... .'
Eyes . .
Legs and feet .

Body

Tail

Coat

Condition and general appearance
Size . . . . .
Colour

io Points

r
. 10 „

. 5 »
. io ,,

• 5 »
5

• I0 »

• io „

• 39
Total 100 Points

CHAPTER XXIV

THE SMOKE-COLOURED SHORT-HAIRED CAT

THIS, which is not to be confounded with the Russian
Blue, to which at first sight it bears some little resem-
blance, is by no means a very common variety.

I have had several specimens at different times, and
am rather partial to them.

They nearly always, as far as I have noticed, have
some faint Tabby markings on the body, so much so that
I know they are called by some people Black Tabbies, and
it is quite possible they originated from the mating of a
Black and a Blue, but I think they are now an established
variety, although they never have classes provided for
them at any shows I have attended, and I have always
exhibited mine in the Any Other Variety Short Hairs,
and never, I think, without gaining honours with
them.

Although I am sure some of this variety have been
produced by the union of other colours, I think two
Smokes may be relied on to reproduce their own shade of
coat, and I am rather surprised they have not received
more encouragement.

184

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 185

I have never seen this variety even mentioned in any
book on cats, but will give my views about it.

The head should be fairly large, well rounded, with
moderately short face and strong muzzle.

The ears should be rather wide at base, with rounded
tips, and carried erect, well open to front.

The eyes should be round, bold and full, orange
yellow in colour, and alert in expression.

The body well-knit and compact, not long or flat in
barrel, and muscular in build.

The legs should be rather long, and feet round and
small in shape.

The tail should be fairly thick at root, tapering to the
tip, and of moderate length.

The coat should be dense, short and smooth, more
abundant on the shoulders and hind quarters than on
other parts of the body.

The condition should be hard, muscular, and giving
promise of power and activity.

The size should average about nine to ten pounds,
for males ; and from seven to eight pounds for
females.

The colour should be nearly black slate, of a dull
almost sooty hue. I do not consider faint Tabby markings,
if they are hardly perceptible except in strong lights, are
a drawback, as specimens good in other respects are so
seldom met with free from them.

The illustration to this sketch is a portrait of the
writer's Luke, winner of many prizes at the Crystal
Palace and elsewhere, a very perfect specimen.

1 86

RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SMOKE-
COLOURED SHORT-HAIRED CATS

Head . . . . . .

Ears .

Eyes. . .

Body and shape . . . . .

Legs and feet . . / . .
Tail . .....

Coat. ....

Condition and general appearance .

Colour . . . . . .

io Points

• 5 „

• io „

. 10

• 5 »
• • • 5 »

• 15 »

• io „

• 25 „

• 5 »

Total 100 Points

THE SHORT-HAIRED BLACK AND WHITE CAT

This variety, correctly marked, is not so common as
the outside public may suppose ; in the course of a long
career as breeder and exhibitor, I do not think I have
owned more than three or four I considered good enough
to exhibit.

Almost all the cats of different colours, I think more
especially amongst the Short Hairs, have some peculiarities
or characteristics which seem to belong to themselves,
and I always fancy there is a solemnity, gravity, and
clerical aspect about Black and White cats ; so that, if
you met with one in a Bishop's Palace or a Deanery, you
would feel it was quite in keeping with its surroundings.

They are usually very demure and placid in demeanour,

SMOKE — " LAUREL LUKE."
1st, Crystal Palace ; 2nd, Brighton, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 1 86.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 187

and I never remember to have seen one of this colour
taking part in raids on the chickens in the poultry yard
or the nocturnal scrimmages in the back gardens so often
heard. They seem to preserve an air of perfect respecta-
bility in accordance with their appearance, and act up
to it!

The head should be large and well rounded, with well-
filled-out cheeks and fairly strong muzzle on a face of
moderate length.

The ears somewhat large and full, carried very erect,
well open in front, tips pointed.

The eyes round, full, with placid expression, rich
yellow with a green glint in them.

The legs and feet : former strongly made with plenty
of bone in them, fairly long, but not leggy ; the latter
small and compact.

The body thick and plump rather than long or
flat-sided, and the shape somewhat cobby.

The tail thick and strong at base, tapering to the
point, but not long or mean-looking.

The coat very dense with a gloss upon it, and not
long anywhere.

The condition should be hard and muscular rather
than fat, and the appearance that of an active, but con-
tented and comfortable-looking animal.

The size should be about ten to twelve pounds for
males ; and from seven to nine pounds for females.

The colour is most important. Black is the prevail-
ing shade, and should be as dense as possible all over,
except the mouth, chin, lips, parts of the cheeks, whiskers

i88

RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

and chest, and all the four feet, which should be pure
white ; the white on face running up between the eyes in
a blaze, something like that seen in a Dutch Rabbit.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SHORT-HAIRED
BLACK AND WHITE CATS

Head ......

Ears

Eyes .

Body and shape .....
Legs and feet .....

Tail

Coat

Condition and general appearance .
Size .......

Colour ......

Total 100 Points

THE SHORT-HAIRED WHITE AND BLACK CAT

I consider this variety in marked contrast, in point of
character and disposition, to the last named, as those I
have known have been of the light-hearted, happy-go-
lucky temperament, the first in a scrimmage or scuffle and
the last to leave off ; demons for vermin and very
sporting in their tastes. This accounts for their being
often found amongst the victims of the gamekeepers'
attention to trespassers, either really, or supposed to be,
in pursuit of fur and feather in the woods and plantations.

10

Points

5

„

10

5)

IO

,,

5

))

5

3)

IO

„

15

J)

5

„

25

J)

fta

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 189

They are more often leggy than not, and have usually
a long, rather lanky, tucked-up appearance, with more
muscle than flesh, but giving the idea of any amount of
activity and energy, and seeming more to enjoy an out-
door life at a cottage or farm in the country, than to be
cooped up in a warm room and made much of as a
domestic favourite.

I have not found them bad-tempered or unsociable,
but do not consider they care about a lot of handling or
pulling about ; there is something eminently workmanlike
about them as a rule, which precludes the idea of their
being petted very much.

As might be supposed, specimens of this variety differ
much in their markings, which should be quite pure
black, unmixed with tabby or white hairs, and the more
they harmonise in evenness and uniformity, the better
they are, but two are not often seen exactly alike ; one
may have black ears, feet, tail, and a spot or two on body ;
another may be all white except markings on head and
tail, and another with head and tail white and markings
on body and legs only.

I hope, as illustration to this sketch, to give a portrait
of one of my own, whom I called Magpie, and whose
colours I rather liked ; he was nearly all white, except
black on head and tail, and four large spots on his
body. I shall say something of him hereafter in my
anecdotes.

The head should be small, very round, rather long
faced and lean, with longish neck, and narrow shoulders
and chest.

190 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

The ears very erect in carriage, rather large in size,
and very open and wide-awake looking.

The eyes are very round and staring, greenish yellow
in colour, and with a smart alert expression.

The legs are long and fine in bone, with small round
feet.

The body long, flat-sided, and rather lean than plump,
very lithe and active-looking.

The tail long, moderately thin to the point, and
carried gracefully.

The condition muscular, firm and hard, and the
general appearance denoting much muscular vigour.

The coat short, fine, and shiny, very close lying to
the skin.

The size not differing much in the sexes, averaging
from eight to ten pounds, perhaps rarely exceeding nine
pounds.

The colour to be white in predominance, with black
markings, as uniform as possible, distributed all over,
from head to tail, with a preference for some on both the
last named.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING WHITE
AND BLACK SHORT-HAIRED CATS

Head . . ... . . .10 Points

Ears 5 „

Eyes . . . . -1 . . . . 10 „

Body and shape . . . . . .10,,

Legs and feet ...... 5 „

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 191

Tail . . . . . . .5 Points

Coat 10 „

Condition and general appearance . . .15,,

Size 5 „

Colour . . . . . . . 25 „

Total 100 Points

THE SHORT-HAIRED TABBY AND WHITE CAT

This variety really comprises the several Tabbies
with white markings, and although they do not receive
the same amount of favour at the hands of either fanciers
or judges usually accorded to those without white, many
of them are, in my opinion, very beautiful animals.

You see Red, Dark, Brown, Grey and Silver Tabbies
and White, and it is a matter of taste which is the
prettiest. I incline to the Dark and the Silver, but have
had specimens of them all at one time or another.

Of course, there must be uniformity and evenness in
the markings for show purposes ; a cat all white, with the
exception of some blotches or spots of tabby about it,
would not stand much chance of a prize in a good show.

Tabby must be the predominent feature, and plenty
of it, the white being disposed uniformly and unmixed
with the tabby anywhere.

What I like to see in them is a body all tabby, with
four white feet. I do not mind the hind feet being a little
more white than those in front, if they are alike.

192 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

The face, chest and chin white, with a blaze up the
forehead between the eyes ; and the under part of the
body also white.

The head should be round, not very large, and with a
moderately long face.

The ears small, well placed and erect in carriage.

The eyes should be bright and round shaped, follow-
ing the colour of the Tabby in shade.

The body, fairly long, but not lanky or flat-sided, and
muscular in build. ,

The legs rather short than long, to avoid any legginess,
and the feet round and small ; both well boned.

The tail strong at root, tapering to base, and not of
great length .

The coat short, close and dense, but fine and soft to
the touch.

The condition hard, firm and muscular, not fat
or coarse, and the general appearance graceful and
active.

The size should be from ten to twelve pounds for
males, and from seven to nine pounds for females ; a
little more may be allowed to each sex, provided there is
a general sense of quality rather than coarseness.

The colour, to be ideal, should be tabby all over,
except the white blaze up face between the eyes, white
chest, belly and the four feet, no spots to be allowed on
any of the white markings, nor any white on any part of
the tabby markings.

Such a cat as described is not as often seen as may be
supposed, but is a very pretty creature.

SILVER TABBY AND WHITE — " LAUREL SILVER STAR.
Winner many First and other Prizes. Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 192.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT

193

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SHORT-HAIRED
TABBY AND WHITE CATS

Head . . ..

Ears ......

Eyes ......

Body and shape . . .
Legs and feet .

Tail

Coat

Condition and general appearance
Size ......

Colour and markings .

10 Points

5
10

10

5

S
10

1S
10

20

Total 100 Points

CHAPTER XXV

THE TORTOISESHELL SHORT-HAIRED CAT

ONE marked peculiarity of this variety is the great rarity
of males ; I should think there is not one male to be met
with to several hundred females. I have never heard
any reason given for this being so, but I have not the
slightest doubt about it. In all my show experiences I
do not think I have seen a dozen Tortoiseshell male
cats, and never seen more than three at any one show.

My friend, the late Mr Herbert Young, of Harrogate,
was very sanguine he had discovered a plan for breeding
the males as well as females of this colour, but if so he
died without divulging the secret, as I remember only one
appearing from his cattery.

The black red and yellow making up the colour, of
which, as a rule, the black is the most prominent, give
rather a sombre appearance to them, and they are not
admired much by the general public.

As I have said in another place in these sketches, the
females are usually mated with Red Tabby males, and
I have found excellent Blacks, Whites and Red Tabbies
in some of these litters.

Of course, it is important there should be no Tabby

194

TORTOISESHELL, MALE— " CH. BALLOCHMYLE SAMSON."
Seven Championships ; numerous First Prizes, Crystal Palace and elsewhere.
Owner, Lady Alexander.

TORTOISESHELL, FEMALE— " BALLOCHMYLE BOUNTIFUL BERTIE."

Two Firsts, Crystal Palace; 1st and Championship, Brighton, etc.

Owner, Lady Alexander.

To face page 195.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 195

markings mixed in with the Tortoiseshell, and this is
where I notice many of them fail, as each colour should
be quite pure and distinct.

They are usually of rather small size, but keen
vermin hunters, and make good mothers. I do not think
any variety of domestic cat is possessed of more spirit
and courage, and they will seldom turn their back to any
foe, when fairly roused.

I like them as house or stable cats as well as any. I
have had some of them about the place for very many years,
and found them sociable and affectionate and with less
timidity or nerves about them than almost any other variety.

The head should be of moderate size, very round in
shape, with a short face, and rather long neck and narrow
shoulders.

The ears small, carried very upright and open, with
general idea of alertness.

The eyes brilliant, full and large, round in shape and
orange yellow in colour ; very intelligent expression.

The legs rather long than short or cloddy, fine in
bone, and the feet round and small.

The body long and narrow, with sloping shoulders,
more muscle than fat everywhere.

The tail should be rather long, not thin or lanky, as
they often are, and marked with the three colours.

The coat should be short, fine and shiny, and very
sleek and smooth to the touch.

The condition should be firm, hard and muscular, the
general appearance denoting grace and activity.

The size of males need not be given, as they are so

196

RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

seldom seen, but I should like them up to ten or twelve
pounds, if possible, and females up to eight or nine pounds.

The colour, composed of black red and yellow, in
patches all over from the nose to tip of tail, and the
more distinct each is the better.

The illustrations to this sketch are Lady Alexander's
Champions Ballochmyle Samson and Ballochmyle Bounti-
ful Bertie, probably the best specimens living of this variety.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING SHORT-HAIRED
TORTOISESHELL CATS

Head . . .

Ears '",

Eyes ...

Legs and feet . . .

Body . . '•• '.

Tail ....

Coat .

Condition and general appearance

Size . . . • ,

Colour . . . . ,

io Points

5

»

10

„

5

„

IO

„

5

„

5

3)

IS

JJ

s

„

3°

»

Total 100 Points

THE TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE SHORT-HAIRED CAT

In the eyes of the general public this variety is much
prettier than the last, and I have owned and seen many
I have greatly admired. For some years I had a male of
this variety, which took a great many prizes, and they

TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE — " CH. KALLOCHM YLK OTTER."

Nine Championships, many First Prizes, Cry.^tal Palace, etc.

Owner, Lady Alexander.

TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE, MALE — " LAUREL LOTHAIR."
Winner many Prizes Crystal Palace, Brighton, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane.
To face page 196.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 197

are only second in rarity to the Tortoiseshell males. I
hope to give his portrait as one of the illustrations to this
sketch, and a champion of Lady Alexander's as the other.

To be ideally marked, the tortoiseshell should be the
predominant feature, but in very many we see at the
shows and elsewhere, there is a great deal too much
white, which takes off from the rich appearance of the
colouring, and seems to diminish the size.

I have found them quite equal to the Tortoiseshells
as vermin killers and mothers, and very docile and
gentle in their manners. I think they are more inclined to
attach themselves to their owners than most varieties, and
very playful and fond of fun long after they are adults.

Several that I have had have been most friendly with
some of my dogs, and delighted to have a thorough romp
on the lawn with them, always taking to the trees when
the play became too fast and furious for them.

The head should be small, round, and with a short
face, but not too pinched in muzzle.

The ears rather large and open, with erect carriage.

The eyes wide open, round, lustrous and sharp-
looking, orange yellow in colour.

The legs long, without giving a leggy appearance,
and not strong in bone ; the feet small and round shaped.

The body and neck inclined to be long, shoulders and
quarters rather narrow, and somewhat flat at sides.

The tail should be long, moderately thick at base
and tapering to the point, not mean-looking.

The coat should be glossy, fine and- short, lying
closely to the skin.

198 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

The condition should be muscular, hard and firm,
with an active, graceful general appearance.

The size might average eight pounds for females,
though many are seen much less — males, as much more
as obtainable without fat or coarseness.

The colour should be tortoiseshell all over, except
white blaze up face, on each of the four feet, the chest
and belly ; the more distinct and pure the patches of
yellow black and red are, the better the specimen will
be in regard to colour, and no Tabby markings should
appear mixed with any of the colours, but they are often
seen in the red or yellow patches, denoting a Tabby
somewhere in the pedigree.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING TORTOISESHELL
AND WHITE SHORT-HAIRED CATS

Head . . . ... .10 Points

Ears . . . ;.".(r ,\: . 5 „

Eyes . . . . . ^ . r . 10 „

Legs and feet . . . V • . • " 5

Body . . . . . ... ... . . .10

Tail . -". ; . , , ; ."," . , 5

Coat . . . . ... , :. ; . . 5

Condition and general appearance . .15

Size . ; .. . . < , . •" • ••[, 5

Colour and uniformity in markings . . . 30 „

Total 100 Points

TABBY MANX— "CH. BONHAKI."
Winner of numerous Prizes. Owner, Mrs II. C. Brooke.

WHITE MANX — "LORD LUKE."
1st, Alexandra Palace, etc., etc. Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 198.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 199

THE MANX CAT

This variety, to the best of my knowledge, informa-
tion and belief, does not include any long-haired specimens,
and, as far as I have heard or seen, does not comprise all the
colours usually associated with other short-haired varieties.

I have reason to believe white specimens are very
seldom seen, and the first I ever had of the variety was
of that colour. I will give his portrait to illustrate
this sketch, as he was one of the most typical specimens
I have seen, and winner of many prizes while in
my possession, and also a portrait of Mrs H. C.
Brooke's " Champion."

I may at once say that it is a mistake to suppose that
any cat that had lost its tail might be taken for a " Manx,"
or would have any chance of notice at a show, if the
judge understood the variety, as the make of the animal,
its movements and its general character are all distinctive.

I have proved the truth of the late Mr Herbert
Young's assertion as to half-bred Manx Cats having
tail-less progeny, and can go a step further, as, during the
time I kept the variety, I found some of the females of
other short-haired breeds were liable to produce kittens
with short, and, on some occasions, no tails. This was
really the reason why I determined to give up keeping
Manx, although the only male of the variety in my
possession was not allowed to be at large, or mated
with any but his own species.

Any of my readers who may desire to take up the
variety, which is quaint and interesting — and I found all

200 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

the specimens which have come under my notice docile,
good-tempered and sociable — if they take my advice, will
either keep no other variety of cat, long or short-haired,
or quite isolated and out of sight of the Manx, or they may
suffer in the same way as I did.

At comparatively few shows are classes provided for
this variety, which has therefore usually to be entered in
the " Any Other Variety Short Hair," where it does not
stand much chance of getting into the first three, unless
exceptionally good in size and markings.

It is curious that the colours in this variety seem
somewhat limited, as although I have seen a great many
of them, I never remember to have seen any but tortoise-
shell, and very few of that shade ; white, and that only
my own male ; black, perhaps the most numerous of all as
far as my experience goes ; black and white, and grey-
striped Tabby. I am not prepared to say that no others
are ever seen, but that I do not remember seeing them
either in Manx or Any Other Variety classes.

Many of those shown fail in their tails, some having
an inch or more, whereas the tail proper should be absent
and represented by only a tuft of hair at the extremity of
the spine, though some, I believe, pure bred have had a
tiny thin apology for a tail without bone.

I may perhaps mention that I have bred a great many
of the Old English sheep dogs, which I am glad to see
have now become so deservedly popular, and have had
litters with nearly the whole of them born without a
particle of tail, proving that although some of their
ancestors (as I happen to know has been done with even

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 201

some of those that have taken the highest honours at shows
as genuine Old English sheep dogs) had their tails docked,
many are born entirely without those useful appendages.

My ideas about the Manx Cat are as follows : —

The head should be of moderate size, round, not
very short in face, but long in neck, with sloping shoulders,
and rather wide and deep in chest.

The ears very erect and open to the front, large
rather than small, with rounded tips.

The eyes large, round, rather staring and prominent,
coloured according to the body colour.

The fore legs straight, well boned and strong ; and
the hind legs much longer, very well boned and muscular,
with powerful hind quarters ; in action the Manx seems
to hop, or jump along, more with the movements associ-
ated with a hare than of a cat, and must be seen to be
properly appreciated.

The body should be well knit, rather lengthy, inclined
to be flat-sided, not, as a rule, very bulky, but strong.

The tail should be absent, but, as I have said, there is
sometimes a little gristly thin ending to the spine, in a
tuft of hair, where the tail would be in other varieties.

The coat should be short, fine and close lying to the
skin, soft and smooth to the touch, perhaps a little more
abundant on the shoulders, chest and hind quarters than any-
where else, but not so as to take away its sleek appearance.

The condition should be firm, hard and muscular,
with no superfluous fat about it ; and the general appear-
ance that of an alert, active animal of much power and
energetic character.

202 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

The size of males from eight to ten pounds, and of
females from six to eight pounds. I have rarely seen
these weights exceeded, and have seen many that would
come under them.

Colour is, of course, a matter of taste. I think white
is the least often seen ; some of the largest specimens I
have met with have been black, and the smallest black
and white. I have seen many good tabbies and one or
more tortoiseshell. In all of these the markings and
eyes should follow the rules laid down for similar colours
in Other Varieties of Short-haired Cats.

I am not aware that any standard has ever been given
for judging this variety, but my views about it are as
follows : —

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
THE MANX CAT

Head and neck . . . . . .10 Points

Ears . . . 5 „

Eyes . . 10 „

Fore legs and feet . . . 5 „

Hind legs and feet . . . . 1 5 „

Body and shape . . . . . .10,,

Tail, or rather its absence . . . . 15 ,,

Condition and general appearance . .10 „

Coat . , . . . , . . . . 5 „

Size . . JJ6 ' ' ' 5 »

Colour . 10 „

Total 100 Points

ABYSSINIAN — " QUEEN JUMBO."
1st, Crystal Palace ; 1st, Brighton, etc. Owner, Mrs George Herring.

To face page 203.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 203

THE SHORT-HAIRED ABYSSINIAN CAT

I am not sure if this is not absolutely the least fre-
quently seen of any variety of domesticated cat in this
country, which leads me to think it has never become
popular, either with fanciers or the public.

I have not heard its title to the name Abyssinian
disputed, and have every reason to believe the first speci-
mens which appeared were imported from that distant
land. In fact, it is asserted by some who profess to have
gone deeply into the subject, that this is the same variety
as was held in such reverence by the Egyptians in past
ages, and of which shiploads of their mummies, or rather
embalmed bodies, were discovered a few years since, and
created a profound sensation in scientific circles.

If this idea proves to be correct it will considerably
alter the position of the variety in the eyes of the breeders
and fanciers of cats, pointing it out as lineal descendant
of the ancestors of the short-haired cats of Europe, which,
as I have said in another place in these sketches, are sup-
posed, with the single exception of the native Wild Cat,
to owe their origin to the short-haired cats imported from
Egypt.

Another name by which this variety is sometimes
called is the Bunny Cat, given I think on account of the
ticked grey colour of the coat, which has much the same
aspect as that of the wild rabbit.

As far as I have seen of both varieties, there is no
other of the Short Hairs domesticated in this country,
which is so much like our native Wild Cat, as this, except

204 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

that there is almost entire absence of even the slight Tabby
markings, which appear on specimens of the latter, and it
is not so short and thick in shape of body and tail, the
latter with the rings very faintly indicated upon it, which
are rather a feature in the native Wild Cat.

Contrary to the usual supposition that the progeny
of imported animals are larger than their parents, it is
asserted by breeders that those which have undoubtedly
come to this country from Abyssinia are larger and finer
specimens than those born here, and more free from any
markings, except the dark trace down back and the tick-
ings peculiar to the species.

The head should be fairly large, round, not very short,
but full in face, with dark red nose, shortish, strong neck,
deep chest, and shoulders rather wide.

The ears moderately small, dark brown in colour,
laced and tipped with black, carried very erect.

The eyes round and full, deep yellow, with a glint of
green in them, and intelligent in expression.

The legs fairly long and well boned, with small round
feet.

The body, rather compact and cobby, than long ; well
rounded at sides, not tucked-up looking, and with strong
hind quarters.

The tail, thick at base, tapering to the tip.

The coat very dense and soft, but not long anywhere.

The condition hard, firm and muscular ; general ap-
pearance of an active, powerful animal of compact build.

The size of males, eleven to thirteen pounds ; of females,
eight to ten pounds.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT

205

The colour deep brown, with black tickings all over,
with as little other markings as possible, except a black
line from nape of neck to the end of tail.

The illustration is a portrait of a specimen shown
some years since by my friend Mrs George Herring.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
THE ABYSSINIAN CAT

Head

Ears

Eyes

Legs and feet .

Body and shape .

Coat .....

Condition and general appearance

Size .....

Colour

Tail

. 10 Points

5 »
10 „
r

IO ,,

• 1S> »

• . 5 »

. 20 „

• 5 »
Total 100 Points

THE SIAMESE CAT

Although some of the varieties mentioned in these
sketches are rare, and seldom seen except occasionally at
shows, I think that description applies to none more
generally than to the Siamese.

I don't remember to have ever seen one roaming at
large, and I believe most people who saw one would be
doubtful if it really was a cat, as the colour is so much in

206 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

accord with the ideas of a pug dog. Some I have seen
with a short twisted tail, something like a badly-carried
pug's tail.

There seems to be no difference of opinion that this
variety is correctly named, the first specimens seen here
being imported from Siam, where they are held in much
esteem, the King of Siam being reputed to take consider-
able interest in keeping the breed pure ; so much so that
it was in the early days of the fancy a difficult matter to
obtain specimens, and many of the males were not allowed
to leave the country, to be available for breeding purposes ;
but as a great many have been bred in the United
Kingdom of late years, I presume those regulations have
either been relaxed or evaded.

Occasionally specimens are seen with coats of choco-
late colour, but I think the ordinary and most popular
shade is fawn, pale drab, or light silver grey ground
colour, with all the extremities as nearly black as obtain-
able.

They are said by those best acquainted with them to
make very interesting pets, but with more of the ways of
dogs than cats, attaching themselves warmly to their
owners, and liking to accompany them from room to
room, or about the garden or grounds, and will become
very friendly with the dogs about the place, but not so
sociable with cats, and well able to take care of themselves
in any differences of opinion with the latter.

They seem to like an outdoor life and do best in
places where they can go in and out and do a little hunt-
ing after " fur and feather " on their own account.

SIAMESE — "CH. WANKEE."
Winner of many Prizes. Owner, Mrs M. Robinson.

SIAMESE, FEMALE — " CH. MEO."

Great Prize Winner at Leading Shows. Owner, Mrs Cunlifle Lee.
To face page 206.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 207

The food which seems to suit them is fresh fish, boiled
with rice ; but where this is not available, they will readily
eat bread and milk, particularly if given lukewarm, the
milk being boiled before being mixed with the bread ;
they also like the fragments of game and chicken left
from the table.

Unless they have been reared in the country, so as to
become fairly hardy, they are rather delicate, and the
kittens liable to mortality before they grow up, but it is
not wise to attempt to breed them in the autumn or
winter, the best time being about April or May, so that
they may have the warm weather before them.

At first the kittens show very little of the character-
istic markings, being nearly white when born, with just a
shade of lacing on the ears, and do not attain their adult
colours until about twelve months old.

One of the most fatal complaints from which they
suffer, and which carries off many kittens and even adults,
is worms, but I should think if taken in time by adminis-
tration of some form of vermifuge, in small doses, this
might be overcome ; it is also a cause of much trouble
with dogs.

A friend of mine who has had some experience of the
variety, says they are much in their habits like other cats,
but that strangers notice a peculiar wild animal odour
about them, like I have observed with the Russian Blue
Short-Hair Cats, and that most of the kittens have a kink
in the tail, not always in the same place, being sometimes
at the end, at others near the body or in the middle.

The mothers are fond and devoted to their young, and

208 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

usually will have three or four litters a year if allowed to
do so, but I should think it better not to exceed two.
It is said the males take a warm interest in the litters,
which is rarely the case with other varieties.

The head should be small rather than large, with re-
ceding forehead, broad between the eyes but narrowing
between the ears, rather long in face and somewhat pinched
in muzzle.

The ears rather large, wide and open to the front,
nearly bare of hair inside.

The eyes should be a bright but pearly blue, placed
slanting slightly downwards towards the nose.

The legs more short than long, and the feet more oval
in shape than is usual with cats.

The body long but slightly made, not indicative of
much muscular power.

The tail rather long and tapering, often with a kink
or small knot in some part of it.

The coat very short and fine, and much like that of a
pug dog, seeming to combine wool and hair in its texture.

The condition should be firm and hard, without fat or
coarseness ; and the general appearance active and grace-
ful, with an air of refinement.

The size might be set down as ten pounds for males,
and about eight pounds for females.

The colour should be uniform all over, a pale fawn or
drab, except the ears, muzzle, legs, feet and tail, all of
which should be as nearly black as possible. Although the
coat should be very close and smooth, it is never glossy
or shiny, but just the dull hue of a pug's coat.

MEXICAN HAIRLESS— "JESUIT."

(Believed to be the only specimen ever exhibited in England.)
Owner, Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison.

To face page

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT

209

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING THE
ROYAL CAT OF SIAM

Head

Ears .

Eyes. . . . .

Legs and feet .
Body and shape .
Coat ......

Condition and general appearance
Size ......

Colour and markings .
Tail .

io Points

5 99

• io „

• 5 »

io ,,

• io „

. 10 „
r

• 30 „

. 5 »
Total 100 Points

MEXICAN HAIRLESS CAT

Since ^ writing the foregoing I have seen an
account of the above-named variety, which, as far as
my experience goes, is the most rare of any species of
domesticated cat. The article appeared in Animal
Life, to whom it was supplied by my friend, Mrs
H. C. Brooke, of Welling, and from her photograph
the illustration to the succeeding article on the Indian
Cat has been reproduced, which, I am sure, will be
interesting to many of my readers.

Mrs Shuick, of Abuquerque, New Mexico, describes
them as follows : " These cats were obtained from Indians,
a few miles from here. The old Jesuit Fathers say they

210 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

are the last of the Aztec race, and known only in New
Mexico.

" They are marked exactly alike, with mouse-coloured
backs, the neck, stomach and legs a delicate flesh tint ;
their bodies are always warm and soft.

"In the winter they have a light fuzz on the back
and ridge of tail, which falls off in the warm weather.

" They stand the cold as well as other cats, their skin
is very loose.

<c Nellie, the female, has a very small head, large
amber eyes, and long whiskers and eyebrows ; her
voice now is a good baritone, when young it sounded
exactly like a child's.

" Nellie weighs about eight pounds, and Dick ten
pounds.

" Dick was a very powerful cat, and could whip any dog
alone ; his courage, no doubt, was the cause of his death.

" He was a sly rascal, and would steal out, and one
night he got out and several dogs killed him.

c< His loss was very great, and I may never replace him.
The Chicago Cat Club valued him at 1000 dollars.

u I have sent all over the country and endeavoured to
get a male for Nellie, but I fear the breed is extinct."

I believe the above-named and following varieties of
cats have not even been mentioned or illustrated in any
previous work on domestic cats, nor do I remember
seeing more than one specimen of the former exhibited in
this country, but I hope it may prove they are not quite
extinct, as they are different from any other variety
with which the writer is acquainted, and so rare as

INDIAN — "INDISCHER FURS1Y'
Owner, Mrs H. C. Brooke.

To face page ill.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 211

to be exceedingly valuable to all students of natural
history, irrespective of their interest to cat lovers.

The illustration is a portrait of one belonging to the
Hon. Mrs McLaren Morrison, the only specimen I have
seen shown in this country.

THE INDIAN CAT

This is another cat very rarely seen in Europe, but
I think the following short account of it, and the
accompanying illustration, may be interesting to my
readers. For both I am indebted to my friend, Mrs
H. C. Brooke, who is well known for the interest she
takes in animals not usually kept as pets.

Some of the varieties of the domestic cat occasion-
ally seen in India, are apparently derived from crosses
with some of the smaller wild breeds found in that
country.

From which particular variety the Indian cat is
derived, I have no positive information.

The colour of the upper parts of the body is a pale
chestnut red, passing through grades of yellowish shades
to almost white on the under parts of the body.

The forehead is puckered or wrinkled ; the head
somewhat long, pointed and narrow in shape ; with
legs long and fine in bone ; and the tail unusually long
and tapering, and carried with a curve.

The coat is thick, but quite short ; its ears are large
but thin, with rather a forward carriage, very erect.

212 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

The eyes are not particularly large, of rich amber
colour, and very brilliant in expression.

The colour on the sides is freely ticked or pencilled,
but on the legs and thighs appear slightly-marked stripes,
and on the tail are rings of the same colour.

In tone of voice it is more like the Siamese than any
other cat with which we are familiar, and it is found to
vary in this respect at different times.

Except in point of colour, it is more like what we
know as the Abyssinian or Bunny Cat than any other
variety seen at exhibitions in this country, but there is
no reason to suppose it is a variety of the same animal,
being thought to be a native product of India, and not
found in any other country.

CHAPTER XXVI

THE WILD CAT

ALTHOUGH seldom seen amongst exhibition cats, and
even then always entered in the class for "Any
Other Variety of Short-haired Cat," I think some of
my readers may like to have a few lines about the above-
named, which is a native of the forests of Europe, and
still to be found in its original state in some of the
northern counties of Britain.

It is much larger than the common domestic varieties,
the head is larger and flatter in shape, the limbs are more
powerful, and the tail is a good deal shorter and thicker,
with less tapering to the extremity, ending abruptly, as
if the last joint or so had been removed.

In colour it is usually of a greyish brown, with dusky
streaked markings merging into black, one or more
black stripes or bands down the back from the neck,
and stripes of similar shade down the sides, but not
disposed as we see in the domestic Tabbies.

The tip of the tail is usually black, and all the rest of it
is marked with alternate rings of the body colour and black.

The lips, nose and pads of the feet are all dark
coloured.

213

2i4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

I think they are now more often seen in the
wildest and most retired parts of the Highlands of
Scotland than anywhere else. In other parts of Europe
the colour of the Wild Cat varies to a deep tawny, with
brown or deep black streaks ; or sometimes a pale grey,
with black and brown markings.

The Wild Cat is quite the Ishmael of the feline
race, and all the specimens which have come under
my notice at shows, or in the hands of collectors of
natural history subjects, have been more remarkable for
their ferocity than their beauty.

It is chiefly to be found in very retired places amongst
woods, and especially where stunted underwood grows,
in and about rocks and crags, in the caves and crevices
of which it lives and rears its young, producing four or
five in a litter.

Of course it is pre-eminently a beast of prey, and
lives upon birds, leverets, rabbits, and such like small
game as it can lay its claws upon, and has been
known to kill lambs, kids and young fawns, so that
one of its most deadly enemies is the gamekeeper,
who will tell you, as poor Artemus Ward said of the
North American Indian, " It is downright poison
wherever you find him."

Some naturalists call it the British Tiger, and it has
certainly all the characteristics of that animal, both in form
and habits, but, being so much smaller in size, is not
capable of doing so much mischief.

Although numerous instances have occurred of
domestic cats escaping to the woods, and taking up

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 215

a wild life there, and even breeding with the native
Wild Cats, I think it is a mistake to suppose they are
the same animal only in a civilised form. I believe
the ancestors of our short-haired cats came from
Northern Africa, probably Egypt, where we know
the cat Felis Maniculata was held in high reverence,
and scores of the mummies of embalmed cats have
been brought over here from that interesting country,
and evidently of very great age.

The European variety of Wild Cat, Felis Catus, is
said to have never been found there, and it is unreason-
able to suppose that it would have produced the Egyptian
Cat of such an early period of the world's history.

In the early times of British history domestic cats
were certainly extremely rare and highly valued.

In the tenth century, about A.D. 948, Hoel or
Howel, the great King of Wales, fixed the price of a
blind kitten at one penny ; and when it could see,
and proof be given of its having caught a mouse,
the price was doubled to twopence, and after it
had established its reputation as a mouser the value
was again doubled to fourpence, which represented a
good deal in those times.

We are told, too, that anyone who destroyed or
stole the cat which guarded the Prince's granary or
store-house for grain, was liable by law to a fine of a
milch ewe, her fleece and lamb ; or to deliver to the
aggrieved owner as much corn as would reach to
the tip of a cat's tail when held up by that organ,
with the point of the nose touching the ground.

216 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Wild Cats are sometimes taken in traps, but, perhaps,
more often by shooting, in the latter mode it is dangerous
to merely wound them, for they have been frequently
known to attack the person who injured them, and their
strength and courage are so great as to render them
rather formidable antagonists.

At a village called Bainborough, situated between
Bainsley and Doncaster, in Yorkshire, there is a tradition
of a serious conflict which once took place between a man
and a Wild Cat. The inhabitants relate that the fight
commenced in an adjoining wood, and was continued from
hence up to the very porch of the village church, where
it is said to have ended fatally to both combatants, for
each died of the wounds received.

A rude painting in the church commemorates the
event, and the natives of the place profess to show marks
of blood stains on the stones in the church porch, which
no amount of washing has been able to remove.

I should have said that another argument against the
idea that the Wild Cat is the original of our Felis
Domestica, is that, at that period when the former were
most plentiful, and to be met with in most of their likely
haunts, the present variety of domestic cat was almost
unknown in this country, and was evidently an animal of
foreign importation, and, as I have before stated, so
highly estemed for its vermin-destroying qualities as to
form the subject of royal statutes for its protection and
preservation.

That there are hundreds, if not thousands, of cats
living in a state of nature in the woods and dense parts

BRITISH WILD CAT.
Exhibited Crystal Palace. Owner, late Lord Lilford.

To face page 217.

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 217

of the forests of Great Britain (but, strange to say, none
are related to have ever been found in Ireland corre-
sponding to what we look upon as the Wild Cat, Felis
Syhestris, or Cafus), I have not the slightest doubt, as I
have seen them scores of times ; although some, or
perhaps many of them, may have mated with the real
Wild Cats, and so produced hybrids, in some measure
resembling the original variety.

I think the domestic cats so well known to us, did not
originate from the Wild Cat, and that the two varieties
are quite distinct, and where they are seen together the
points of difference would at once be apparent.

My friend, Harrison Weir, F.R.H.S., perhaps the
highest living authority on the subject, and whose charm-
ing book on cats will be well known to most of my
readers, writes a very interesting article on the Wild Cat,
and seems to confirm my view that it is anatomically
different from our domestic variety.

In rather a quaint old book of mine, with many quite
astounding illustrations, called A New and Complete System
of Natural History, published by Alexander Hogg, as the
Act directs, at the King's Arms, N o. 1 6 Paternoster Row,
London, about 1763, I find it stated, that King
Richard II. granted a Royal Charter to the Abbot of
Peterborough, by which he was authorised to chase the
Fox, Hare, and Wild Cat, but whether this was a general
license to the genial ecclesiastic, to hunt those wily quad-
rupeds wheresoever he might meet with them, or only in
certain specified districts, is not stated. In Daniel's Rural
Sports we are told that Wild Cats were formerly

218 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

objects of sport to huntsmen ; but it was not for diversion
alone that this animal was pursued, for the skin was much
used by nuns in their habits, as a fur — one of the reasons
why the skin of cats was used on cloaks and other
garments for trimming, being, that it showed humility in
dress — and adopted by some priests, as well as nuns, when
wishing to impress others with their deep sense of
humility in all things, even to their wearing apparel.

ANY OTHER VARIETIES OF SHORT-HAIRED CAT

In the course of the foregoing sketches I have been,
so to speak, cutting the ground from under my own feet,
leaving but few materials for the above subject.

I have endeavoured to give a separate notice of all
the recognised varieties of short-haired cats either usually,
or unusually, met with ; but, of course, in the case of an
animal subject to many variations of colour, specimens
will occasionally be seen which admit of no absolute
classification, and will therefore, if shown at all, have to
be entered in a class headed somewhat after the manner
of this sketch.

I do not mean what I may call deformed specimens,
with three legs, two legs, extra toes to their feet, or such
like, which, although they might be deemed worthy of
attention and curiosity if included in an exhibition of
freaks of nature, I consider are quite out of place in a
cat show.

But animals of some peculiar or unusual colour, such

NARROW STRIPED TABBY AND WHITE—" LORD STANLEY,'
Winner many Prizes, Crystal Palace, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 219,

THE SHORT-HAIRED CAT 219

as a black cat with a white head and tail ; a blue cat
with similar misplaced markings ; a yellow cat without
Tabby markings or white ; a smoke cat marked like a
black and white ; a white cat with one or more spots
of Tabby markings ; or a cat all tortoiseshell except a
white head and tail, all of which, in the general way,
would be eligible for entry in this class.

I have just mentioned a few of the variations, most of
which I have occasionally seen, but of course there are
many others possible to arise, particularly with an animal
like the cat, which in probably the majority of cases is
left pretty much to its own devices in the way of mating,
and consequently the variations in the colour of the
offspring are many and great.

In dealing with such a mixed class as suggested, the
judge should endeavour to select for prizes those
coming nearest in formation and colour to what the
variety it misrepresented should be, but these are
always unsatisfactory classes, both for judges and
exhibitors.

I have set forth my views, and given the result of my
experience, on some of the matters connected with
exhibition cats, which I venture to hope may be of
some assistance, at least to novices amongst my fellow
fanciers ; and if they are the means of calling up or
increasing interest in the domestic cat, of whose intelli-
gence, affection and many good qualities I have a high
opinion, one of my objects in penning these sketches
will be attained.

CHAPTER XXVII

A FEW WORDS ON CATS IN GENERAL

"I would give nothing for that man's religion whose cat and dog
are not the better for it." — DR NORMAN M*LEOD.

I THINK I cannot commence better than by quoting the
words of Mark Twain, in his amusing book called
Puddin -headed Wilson^ where he says : —

" A home without a cat, and a well-fed, well-petted,
and properly revered cat, may be a perfect home, perhaps ;
but how can it prove its title ? "

The cat of the household is not so much respected by
some as she deserves to be.

It is true everyone admits she is useful for killing
mice, etc., and so most people keep a cat, but do not always
let her have her due regard in return.

Yet a cat, well cared for, is a very affectionate,
pleasant member of the household brigade, and possessed
of far more intelligence and sagacity than usually falls
to her credit, besides often being an ornament and pleasing
addition to the fireside, as we are so fond of saying, " quite
English, you know."

Many persons make the cruel mistake of supposing
that a cat will be a keener and better mouser if not

220

A FEW WORDS ON CATS IN GENERAL 221

sufficiently fed in other ways, but the contrary is the
case, as I have abundantly proved by experience.

Those cats that are best fed and considered in their
comforts make the best vermin hunters ; while those
starved, or half fed, have not the spirits or activity to
trouble about mousing, any more than human beings
would, in like circumstances, take much interest in any
kind of sport.

Cats should be well and regularly fed, like other
pet animals, and always have a pan of clean water within
reach, they will then have less craving after milk, and many
will take water in preference.

As regards food, some like bread and milk, not wet
but squeezed tolerably dry, with some milk, which is better
if first boiled, poured over it.

Most cats and dogs are fond of vegetables, such as
potatoes and cabbage, and which are good for their health
(as well as access to grass, which they take medicinally),
mixed with any scraps and gravy from the table.
Occasionally fish heads and other fish scraps boiled with
or without rice, and broken up into pieces of suitable size
with some of the liquor in which they have been boiled,
will make a nice change and be much relished.

Many cats are fond of a little oatmeal porridge some-
times, particularly in the colder months of the year, as
it is rather heating in its nature ; they will enjoy a bone to
pick, but game and chicken bones should not be given,
unless the larger ones, as there is a danger of
any small pieces or splinters causing internal injury, to
which the small intestines of cats make them rather liable.

222 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Of course kittens, when weaned, should be fed at least
three or four times a day ; porridge, bread and milk, a
little finely-minced meat. Ridge's food made as for children,
are all good materials, changed as the animals are found
to get tired of any one kind.

Milk should always be boiled, whether given alone or
mixed with other things, as otherwise it is thought liable
to cause worms, and they are very troublesome, and
probably bring about the deaths of more kittens and
puppies than any other cause.

If a number of cats are kept it is best to have a
room, or building, entirely for their occupation, and if an
outside run can be provided, wired in and protected at
the top from the weather, it will be all the better for the
health of the inmates, which can be let out there alone, or
not, as their sexes and tempers will permit. If an aspect
can be chosen, the south-east is preferred to any other,
cats being fond of a sunny situation.

Means should be provided for heating the building
in severe weather, either by hot air or water, or by some
kind of stove, not enough to make the place hot and
stufiy, and there should be plenty of ventilation round the
upper parts of the building, but protected from draughts,
frost and damp, which are very injurious to kittens and
adults.

I have found cheese boxes make excellent sleeping
places, and prefer oat straw to any other material for
bedding, with some disinfected sawdust sprinkled on the
bottom of the box beneath it, changed as often as
required.

A FEW WORDS ON CATS IN GENERAL 223

A small shallow tin or box, with dry ashes, or
earth, should be included in the furniture of each pen ; if
this is done regularly and the pens cleaned every day, no
disagreeable odour will be observable, and I have had
fifteen or twenty cats so kept in a building, the floor of
which (tiles or stone for choice) was sprinkled occasionally
with some of the many disinfectants now procurable, and
a stranger coming in could not be aware there was
a cat in the place. I do not believe in the indiscriminate
use of disinfectants in the pens, as it is apt to get into the
food or drink ; and I have seen many cases, at shows,
where cats have been quite ill from its effects by being
carelessly used, thrown all over everything in the pen.

Cats, although naturally nervous, timid animals, are
fond of notice. They do not shrink away from those
who are kind to them, and are pleased to meet with their
friends wherever they are ; when I have any at shows they
often recognise me before I come to their pens, and are
not satisfied until they have been made much of. When
judging them I can usually tell what sort of home they
come from by the way they behave, and those are few and
far between I cannot get on good terms with in a short
time ; as cats and dogs too are much like children, who
can soon tell whether a stranger is interested in them and
likely to be worth cultivating as an acquaintance.

Many people have a habit of turning their cats out of
doors at night, this should never be done under any
circumstances, summer or winter, even if there are sheds
and outhouses they can creep into.

Not only does it make your cat a nuisance to your

224 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

neighbours and yourself, but they are naturally fond of
warmth and comfort, and are sure to suffer in their health
and appearance from the exposure.

A well-fed, well-housed animal, whether horse, dog or
cat, should look sleek and glossy in coat and be a credit
to its owner, which night-prowling cats are not likely
to be.

There is no doubt the long-haired varieties are more
delicate and require greater care and attention than the
short-haired.

One thing they are apt to do which is very injurious in
preening their coats, as all the cat family, large and small,
are in the constant habit of doing if in good health, is to
lick off with their rough tongues some of the loose hair of
their coats, and this often causes serious internal troubles
by forming into pellets and balls.

To guard against this as much as possible, they should
be brushed gently and regularly with an ordinary hair
brush, with rather long bristles. I prefer cleaning the
coats with fine flour, to washing, which is not natural to
cats, and generally much resented by them.

Although I remember, when I first obtained the white
Manx Cat mentioned in my sketch of that variety, he
took up his residence for a day or so in one of our
chimneys, and was in consequence so much the colour of
a sweep that we were obliged to wash him, and I
was surprised to find he made much less of the affair than
we did, so that in all probability it was not his first
experience of the process.

Kittens should be left six or seven weeks with their

A FEW WORDS ON CATS IN GENERAL 225

mother before being weaned, evert if they can lap and feed
before that time, as they will be all the better for the
warmth and care of their mother. All should never be
taken away at once ; any which are not wanted should be
drowned by being placed in a bucket or pail of water,
and another pail put into it to keep them from rising,
which will cause a speedy painless death.

Keep up the mother with good feeding, and rub her
teats gently two or three times a day.

A little fresh butter or vaseline rubbed into the teats
will assist in taking away the milk, which otherwise may
cause suffering to the cat.

I have had cats live with me for nineteen or twenty
years, and they are not naturally short-lived animals when
well cared for.

I believe that, at anyrate in this country, cats are now
more appreciated and of greater value than they have been
in the remembrance of anyone living, and I am in hopes
that the detailed particulars given in these sketches may
be useful to some of my fellow fanciers, and perhaps
cause some of my readers to take more interest in an
animal with which I have had much to do, and whose few
faults many are disposed to be eloquent upon, while
ignoring the many fascinating qualities it possesses.

CHAPTER XXVIII

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS

DURING a long career as an exhibitor I had many amusing
experiences, one which was not at all amusing at the time
was as follows : —

At one of the London Cat Shows the promoter was
anxious to have a large entry, because some persons who
were interested in what was to some extent a rival under-
taking were trying to prevent its being a success, and as
I was quite a " free lance/' not pledged to any clique or
party, he wrote me that he hoped I would make as many
entries as possible.

Accordingly I sent more than usual, some fifteen or
twenty I think — it is long since it happened and I
cannot be sure of the number — and took a great many
prizes.

For some reason or other, probably a dog show some-
where that I had entered for, I had to leave the show before
its close, as it was a two or three days' affair. This was
not in accordance with my usual custom, as I like to see
all my animals not only packed but delivered to the
railway carriers before I leave.

The day after the show I sent my cart twice to our

226

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 227

station but hearing nothing of the cats, wired to the
manager of the show with reply paid.

Back came a wire apologising for the delay and
saying : —

"Your cats leaving by next train, sorry they were
overlooked."

The cart went to the station and returned triumphantly
with a lot of boxes and baskets.

I may mention here, as it may be a wrinkle for some
of my readers who are exhibitors of rabbits, cats or
cavies, that I used boxes of my own design for sending
my stuff to shows. Each of these contained four compart-
ments, about two feet square each, with a separate hinged
lid to each, fastened by a leather strap and buckle so that
any one could be taken out by itself at a time. Battens
of wood were fastened to the bottom to keep it off wet
platforms, etc., and they were impervious to rain, etc.

There was a strong handle — like those on trunks and
boxes — to the lid of each box to move it about with. My
initials, and the name of our local station were painted
plainly in white letters on a black ground to show where
it belonged.

In the few cases where I used baskets, these were
covered with strong canvas at sides and top to avoid
draughts, and provided with open wickerwork inner lids
to prevent an animal jumping out when the basket was
opened.

Of course the boxes had holes about the size of
a sixpence each bored all round the edges, just under the
lids, to give plenty of ventilation but no draught, and 1

228 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

have sent rabbits, cats and cavies in this way all over the
kingdom without any difficulty.

To return to my story, when the boxes were opened,
to our intense astonishment, there was not one cat in the
whole of them, the boxes were all empty.

At that time I had certainly some of the most
valuable cats in the show world, comprising four or five
champions and others fit for any show, and was some-
what dismayed at the state of affairs.

Before I had decided whether I should return to London
to inquire what had become of the missing cats, another
telegram came from the manager of the show, saying : —

"All your cats safe. Discovered the empty boxes
sent off in error. Sending them by special messenger to
Paddington, reach you to-night."

So the cart made another journey to the station, and
this time really brought the travellers with it, they were
each packed in a separate basket, and made a good
cartload.

I heard afterwards that all my boxes were stacked
together, and when the manager ordered them to be sent
off, his deputy did not open any of them , but took it for
granted the cats were inside, and so the mistake arose,
which was found out after the boxes were gone by seeing
a number of cats still in the pens.

I have had such things occur with dogs more than
once when I have not been there to see them despatched,
but I think that was the only thing of the kind I
remember with cats, at anyrate where there were so
many left behind at any show. The manager and his

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 229

deputy have often referred to this incident and the
trouble it gave them.

My friend, Mr Louis Wain, whose sketches of cats
are so well-known, writes as follows in Living Animals of
the World:—

" The black cat has many of the characteristics
of the tortoiseshell, but is essentially a town cat, and
is wont to dream his life away in shady corners, under
ground cellars, in theatres, and in all places where he
can, in fact, retire to monastic quiet. The Black Cat
of St Clement Danes Church was one of the remarkable
cats of London ; it was his wont to climb up to the top
of the organ pipes and enjoy an occasional concert alone.
A christening or a wedding was his pride, and many
people can vouch for a lucky wedding who had the good
fortune to be patronised by the Black Cat of St Clement
Danes, which walked solemnly down the aisle of the
church in front of the happy couples.

" My old pet, Peter, was a black and white cat, and, like
most of his kind, was one of the most remarkable cats for
intelligence I have ever known. A recital of his accom-
plishments would, however, have very few believers, a
fact I find existing in regard to all really intelligent cats.
There are so many cats of an opposite character, and
people will rarely take more than a momentary trouble to
win the finer nature of an animal into existence. Suffice
it to say, that Peter would lie and die, sit up with
spectacles on his nose and with a postcard between his
paws, a trick I have taught many people's cats to do.
He would also mew silent mews when bid, and wait at

23o RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

the door for my home-coming. For a long time, too, it
was customary to hear weird footfalls at night outside
the bedroom doors, and visitors to the house were
a little more superstitious as to their cause than we were
ourselves. We set a watch upon the supposed ghost, but
sudden opening of the doors discovered only the mystic
form of Peter sitting purring on the stairs.

" He was, however, ultimately caught in the act of
lifting the corner of the doormat, and letting it fall back
in its place, and he had grown quite expert in his method
of raising and dropping it at regular intervals, until he
heard that his signals had produced the required effect,
and the door was opened to admit him. Watch your
own cat, and you will see that he will change his sleeping
quarters occasionally, and if he can find a newspaper
conveniently placed, he will prefer it to lie upon before
anything, perhaps except a cane-bottomed chair, to which
all cats are very partial. If you keep a number of cats,
as I do, you will find them very imitative, and what one
gets in the habit of doing they will all do in time. For
instance, one of my cats took to sitting with his front
paws inside my tall hat and his body outside, and this has
become a catty fashion in the family, whether the object be
a hat, cap, bonnet, small basket, box or tin."

I remember when Mr Harrison Weir's charming
book, Our Cats, came out in 1889, I was much struck
with the account he gave (p. 87) of a cat belonging to a
granary at Sevenoaks, in Kent, where the distinguished
author then lived, catching two mice at once, and I really
thought his informant had " drawn the long bow."

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 231

But some time afterwards, when I was living at Laurel
Bank, Downend, Gloucestershire, on going into the
stable, accompanied by a white and black cat, Magpie,
whose portrait illustrates my sketch of that variety in
this book, before I noticed what he was after, made
a dash like lightning, and I saw mice flying in all
directions, and on looking closely at Magpie, who was
standing stock still with his front paws firmly placed on
the ground, I noticed he had part of a mouse hanging out
of each side of his mouth and one held under each front claw.

So, as seeing is believing, I withdrew my doubts as to
the former story, and the next time I saw Mr Weir told
him of the confirmation it had received with one of my
own cat's doings.

This Magpie was the most inveterate vermin killer
I ever saw. It was quite a mania with him, he entirely freed
our premises from all rats and mice, and afterwards I gave
him to an old servant of ours who had married a corn
dealer, as she told me they were overrun with rats and
mice, and Magpie so distinguished himself by his
exploits amongst them that he was a valuable acquisition,
and ended his days as a treasured member of the com-
munity, finding ample opportunity for the display of his
talents.

An instance is given by Smellie of a cat that was in
the habit of frequenting a cupboard, the door of which
was fastened by a common iron latch ; a window was
placed near the door ; when the door was shut the cat
suffered no uneasiness, so soon as she was tired of the
cupboard she mounted on the window-sill, opened the

232 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

latch of the door and came out — this practice she
continued for years.

I think I can beat this story with one of my own
which applies to two different cats, both short hairs, one
a red tabby known at shows as Lord Rufus, but with
the private name of Fritz, whose portrait appears in this
book, and the other a black female who had the faculty of
generally including one pure white kitten in her litters,
although she had not a white hair upon her, and had won
many prizes in the classes for black females.

Both these cats had acquired the accomplishment of
taking the round door handle in their two paws and
turning it to open a door ; many a time when they have
been shut in the kitchen of a night have I known them
do this, when they wanted to come into the room where I
was sitting.

Lord Rufus, the red tabby, was fond of outdoor
life, and spent the days and early part of the nights about
the place searching for rats, mice and birds ; he would go
after the latter when roosting in the ivy on some of the
garden walls, with much success.

Laurel Tiddles, the black, had a habit which would
be trying to nervous persons, but, fortunately, she nearly
always selected me for its exercise. If she caught sight
of me walking anywhere about the place, she would run
at top speed and spring on my shoulder from behind, and
usually knocked off my hat with the vigour of her
expressions of delight at her feat. I am afraid she was
stolen, as she disappeared one day and I could never
obtain any tidings about her. One who had seen the

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 233

performance mentioned he had observed a cat seated on a
table make several efforts to put her head into a long
narrow vessel containing milk. Finding the aperture too
small to admit her head, she reconsidered the situation,
and at last dipped one of her fore paws into the
milk, licked it carefully with her tongue, and con-
tinued to help herself in this way till her appetite was
satisfied.

I remember when I was in lodgings in London, my
landlady, who was an inveterate cat lover, had a large red
tabby long hair with several accomplishments, such as
jumping through her hands, sitting up like a dog, "walk-
ing like a gentleman," which consisted in strutting along
on the tips of his toes in a sort of mincing gait, with his
large tail held straight up in the air.

As a reward for this he was always given some milk
in a little jug, and he used to drink it in the way men-
tioned above, by dipping in one fore paw after the other,
and then licking them dry.

I read an account in the Monthly Magazine of a cat
that was the means of identifying murderers : —

"A physician of Lyons, France, was requested to
inquire into the circumstances of a supposed murder, that
had been committed, of a woman in that city.

"In consequence of that request, he went to the house
of the deceased, where he found her extended, lifeless, on
the floor, weltering in her blood.

" A large white cat was seated on the cornice of a cup-
board, at the far end of the apartment, where it seemed to
have taken refuge.

234 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

" It sat motionless, with its eyes fixed on the corpse, its
attitude and looks expressing horror and affright.

" The following morning it was found in the same
station and attitude, and when the room was filled with
officers of justice, neither the clattering of the soldiers'
arms nor the loud conversation of the company could in
the least degree divert its attention.

" As soon, however, as the suspected persons were
brought in, its eyes glared with increased fury, its hair
bristled, it darted into the midst of the apartment, where
it stopped for a moment to gaze at them, and then pre-
cipitately retreated under the bed.

"The countenances of the assassins were disconcerted,
and they were now, for the first time during the whole
course of the horrid business, abandoned by their atrocious
audacity."

It has been affirmed that the cat has no individual
attachment to man ; yet instances occur every day to
contradict this assertion.

A cat frequently recognises that individual in the
family who shows it the greatest kindness, and instances
constantly occur where it will follow persons about the
house and gardens like a dog.

We know a cat which was so much attached to a
young lady that it followed her even when out on horse-
back.

Pennant mentions that when the Earl of Southampton,
the friend and companion of the Earl of Essex in his fatal
insurrection, was confined in the Tower of London, he
was surprised by a visit from his favourite cat, which it is

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 235

said obtained access to its master by descending the
chimney of his apartment.

Lawrence, in the History of the Horse, relates an anec-
dote of the attachment of a black cat, for the celebrated
Arabian horse, Godolphin.

These two animals were friends for many years, and
when at last the horse died, the cat had to be removed by
force from his dead body. She crawled away with extreme
reluctance, and was found dead in a hayloft some time
afterwards.

There was a hunter in the stables of His late Majesty
King George IV., at Windsor, to which a cat was so
attached, that when he was in the stable she would never
leave her usual seat upon the horse's back ; and the latter
was so pleased with her attention, that to accommodate
his little friend, he slept, as horses sometimes do, standing.

This, however, was thought to affect his health, and
the cat was at length removed to a distant part of the
country.

The cat readily associates with other domesticated
animals. It is no infrequent thing to see the cat and
dog of the house asleep on the rug in each other's
embraces.

A French lady taught her dog, cat, mouse and bird
to feed together from the same plate ; and we know how
often in the happy families, occasionally seen in our public
streets, one or more cats are included in those miscel-
laneous gatherings of animated nature.

A tame fox, belonging to a correspondent, not only
shares his meals with a neighbour's cat, but makes no

236 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

objection to the saucy sparrows, and even sometimes
pigeons, who descend to pick up any unconsidered trifles
remaining from his repast.

Cats are known to have an especial talent for finding
their way back to a home for which they had acquired a
liking. I have personally known many such cases, but

* will relate one I believe to be perfectly true : —

The late Mr Shor treed, Sheriff-Substitute of Roxburgh-
shire, once sent a cat from the neighbourhood of Jedburgh
to a friend in Liddesdale.

She was put into a bag, and despatched by the carriers'

* cart. Thus mewed up, it is quite impossible she could
from observation have acquired any knowledge of the
geography of the country, and yet she contrived to find
her way back to her old home, a distance of nearly thirty
miles, long before the return of the carrier.

My own idea is, that cats when at large explore the
surrounding country, probably for many miles, particularly
those cats which are allowed out at night, when few people
are about, and by this means become acquainted with the
leading features of the locality they are in, and, in case of
being Sent away, turn their knowledge to account should
they desire to return to the old home.

Nothing can exceed the affection of the mother cat,
for her kittens, she tends them with the utmost care and
is always on the watch to supply them amply with food.

If she fancies any danger threatens them, she is often
seen to carry them, one by one, to a place of safety, and,
if any are taken away from her, makes every effort to dis-
cover and restore the missing offspring.

CHAPTER XXIX

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS Continued

A SINGULAR instance of the provident anticipations of
a cat expecting a family is thus given in the Library of
Entertaining Knowledge : —

" A short time before a cat produced kittens, she was
observed to hoard up several mice and young rats which
she did not quite kill, but lamed to prevent their escape.

" One day after dinner, when our informant was sitting
with a friend, the cat bounced into the room in eager
chase of one of her maimed prisoners, a young rat, which
had, it appeared from the report of the servants, been
some days under surveillance in a back court.

" The rat sprang up the window curtains for safety, but
being unable to retain its position there, was soon re-
captured and borne away by his conqueror."

The taking away of her kittens should never be
done wholly or at one time, as it invariably causes
much suffering to the mother from the milk provided
by nature for the nourishment of the kittens. This
is no doubt the cause, or one of them, why cats are
sometimes found suckling young animals of quite a
different race to themselves.

237

238 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Innumerable instances are recorded of this kind, —

In White's Natural History of Selborne, the author
says : —

" My friend had a little helpless leveret (young hare)
brought to him, which the servants fed with milk in a
spoon, and about the same time his cat kittened, and the
young were despatched and buried. The young hare
disappeared and was supposed to be gone the way of most
foundlings, killed by some dog or cat.

" However, in about a fortnight, as the owner was
sitting in his garden in the dusk of the evening, he
observed the cat, with tail erect, trotting towards him and
calling with little short notes of complacency, such as
they use towards their kittens, and something gambolling
after, which proved to be the leveret that the cat had
supported with her milk and continued to nourish with
great affection." In the notes to a late edition of same
work, instances are given of cats transferring their atten-
tions in rearing, and tending two young ducklings, a
young lark, etc.

Mr Brodrip mentions the singular circumstance of a
cat that had been deprived of its young adopting and
nursing the young progeny of a rat.

The following is given on undoubted authority from
a work already quoted : —

<c A cat and bitch belonging to a lady chanced to have
young at the same time. The cat not liking the place
assigned to her for her kittens, carried them, without
having been noticed to do so, into a drawer containing
clothes, etc., which was soon afterwards pushed in and the

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 239

kittens imprisoned in it. In the meantime, the bitch,
having gone out of doors, was either stolen or killed, as
she never returned to her pups. These were found out
and adopted by the cat. A day or two after this singular
adoption, the kittens were discovered in the drawer so
nearly starved that they all died, except one, within a
week. The cat, however, continued to nurse both this
one and her adopted pups till they were able to do without
her attention/'

There is probably no kind of food that cats show a
greater liking for than fish, and many instances have been
recorded of their catching them alive.

Mr Moody, of Jesmond, near Newcastle, had for some
years a cat in his possession that was skilful in catching
fish, and frequently brought them home alive.

Besides minnows and eels she occasionally captured
pilchards, one of which, about six inches long, was found
in her possession. She also contrived to teach the cat of
a neighbour to fish, and the two were often seen by the
river's side watching. At other times they were seen on
opposite sides of the river, not far from each other, on the
look-out for their prey.

The following still more extraordinary account of a
cat fishing in the sea appeared in the Plymouth Journal: —

" There is at the Battery on the Devil's Point, a cat
which is an expert catcher of the finny tribe, being in the
constant habit of diving into the sea and bringing up the
fish alive in her mouth, and depositing them in the guard-
room for the use of the soldiers. She is now about seven
years old and has long been a useful caterer. It is sup-

24o RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

posed that her pursuit of the water rats first taught her
to venture into the water, to which it is well known cats
have a natural aversion. She is as fond of the water as
a Newfoundland dog, and takes her regular peregrinations
along the rocks at the edge of the seashore, looking out for
her prey, ready to dive after them at a moment's notice."

We also recollect a cat who spent the greater part of
her time on the banks of a stream, living on small fish
which she caught there, but she also, in the first instance,
seemed to be attracted by the water rats, whom she used
to pursue into the water.

My old friend and neighbour, Dr William Murray,
with whom I have spent many a pleasant hour, and whose
wife was a sister of the well-known dramatic author and
novelist, J. M. Barrie, told me that when he was a young
man he lived in a small place in Dumfriesshire, and was
in the habit of going to fish and sometimes to bathe in
the River Annan. At that time he owned a large white-
haired cat called Beelzebub, not from his disposition,
which was amiable and affectionate, but on account of his
appearance, which was peculiar, his colour being pure
white all over with a black spot or smudge covering his
head, face and ears, which gave a most sinister appearance
to his countenance.

This cat was a constant companion on his master's
visits to the river, and on one occasion, when the doctor
was bathing, he was surprised to see the cat plunge into
the river, swim towards him and spring on his shoulders,
as he frequently did on land, and in that way was borne
to the bank.

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 241

Ever afterwards the cat was observed to visit the
river on his own account, and swim after the small fry,
driving them into shallow water, catching and making a
meal of them, and never seemed troubled with the natural
aversion generally felt by cats to water, but would plunge
boldly in and swim about like a dog.

In confirmation of my expressed opinion that cats
possess affection for people even more than for places, the
doctor told me that when, after a long absence, he returned
to the house, where he had left his old favourite, the cat
came into the room, and at once jumped on his knee and
showed delight at their meeting by every means in his
power, and, when the doctor left the house, accompanied
him as far as the bridge over the river, which was evidently
associated in his mind with their former fishing and
bathing experiences.

Most of us are familiar with the legend of " Puss in
Boots," but I think " Puss in Spectacles " is still more
strange and unusual.

The Deoptic and Qphthalmometric Review, certainly not
a likely source for fairy tales or throwing the hatchet, is
responsible for the following, and as the periodical
referred to is the organ of the British Optical Association,
it may be taken as thoroughly reliable : —

" A well-known lady who possesses a pet Maltese cat
recently found her cat's eyesight begin to fail, so she took
him to an oculist.

"By means of a modelled representation of a mouse,
the oculist carefully ascertained what was the matter, and
was able to fit his interesting patient with suitable glasses,

Q

RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

the lenses were set in gold frames specially made for the
purpose, and the result was so satisfactory that the eye-
sight of the cat became as good, or better, than before."

I have known cases of artificial limbs being fitted to
cattle and dogs, and false eyes and teeth supplied to the
latter, but I think it so unusual for artificial aids to vision
being supplied to any animals, that I think the above
worthy of mention in these pages relating to cats.

Amongst my many pets was a large and handsome
long-haired red tabby, who rejoiced in the aristocratic
name of Marmaduke when at shows, where he won
many prizes at different times, but when at home was
known as Yellow Boy, and was a sociable, amiable fellow
with human beings, but somewhat aggressive with his
own species.

I. was rather amused one day when I met one of my
nearest neighbours, who owned a large short-haired tabby
and white male, that had the reputation of being a " bit
of a boxer," and he said to me, " That yaller cat of yours
is a hot 'un, and no mistake." " How so ? " I asked.
"Why," he said, "he came into our garden yesterday,
and I'm blessed if he didn't pitch into our cat, and give
him a downright good hiding, on his own ground — never
seen such a thing in my life ! "

I endeavoured to offer some apologies for the mis-
doings of my "yaller cat," but I firmly believe he had
considerably raised himself in my neighbour's opinion by
successfully carrying his warlike operations into the
enemy's camp, and that his own cat, the larger and
heavier animal, had gone down in his estimation at not

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 243

being able to resist the daring intruder within his
gates.

The following were related to me by Mr Gosney, of
Leeds : —

A cat belonging to Mrs Wood, an aunt of Mr
Gosney 's who resided at Hunslet near Leeds, was so
devoted to its mistress, that when her death took place
she refused all food or consolation, and was shortly after-
wards found lying dead, stretched out on the grave of her
mistress.

A black cat of Mr Gosney's formed a strong affection
for the wife and daughter of her owner, but for none else.
On the occasion of their going on a visit to Harrogate,
she was restless and disconsolate until their return, when
she showed her joy by every demonstration in her power.

The same cat had a great aversion to children, some
of whom used to come on Sunday afternoons to visit their
grandparents, and at such times the cat was nowhere to
be seen, but would make her reappearance immediately
after the children had taken their departure.

When I moved to my present residence, I took over
from the last tenant a large short-haired black cat we
called Lord Sultan, who lived with us until his death, a
few years since. He spent most of his time about the
place out of doors, even in wet or cold weather he seemed
to prefer life in the open air.

He had a great objection to being taken up, and
though not bad-tempered at other times, if he thought
he was going to be lifted, as was occasionally necessary
when he was wanted for any show, would throw himself

244 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

down on his side and be ready with all four sets of claws
to lay hold of anyone attempting to touch him. He was
very jealous of any other male cats on the place, and had
several pitched battles with Silver Star, a handsome silver
tabby I had at that time.

This Silver Star was rather a character in his way,
and the terror of all the torn cats in our neighbourhood ;
he was let out for exercise and recreation twice a day,
morning and afternoon, and usually devoted most of his
leisure to seeking for, and polishing off, any of the cats in
the surrounding district, so that when I heard any un-
usually piercing feline cries, the first thing I asked was
whether Silver Star was at large, as I knew he would be
in the thick of any fight that was going on ; but if within
sound of my voice he would come back when called,
often in a very excited state from his recent exertions to
uphold his position as champion. He was a handsome cat,
and took many prizes during his show career.

I do not know whether other breeders have found
silver tabby short hairs, especially males, more inclined to
stand on their dignity than others, but I have had several
that were decidedly very warlike in their disposition.

One in particular, whose private name was Victor, but
in public assumed the title of " Champion Laurel King,"
and as his father was " Champion King of the Fancy/' and
his mother, my " Champion Laurel Queen " (said to be
the best short-haired female cat of any variety ever shown,
and own sister to Mrs George Herring's celebrated
" Champion Jimmy," who probably took more first
prizes and specials than any other short-haired male cat

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 245

ever brought out), he was of the most aristocratic pedigree
obtainable.

Whether, when he was at large, his pride of race was
too much for him, or whether he was short-tempered as
well as short-haired I cannot say, as he was always most
gentle and amiable with us, and I have never heard any
complaint of his behaviour at shows, where he was so
often to be seen amongst the prize-winners, as on the few
occasions when he was beaten, it was usually by his own
mother, if shown in a mixed class ; but he was dictatorial
and aggressive with all sorts and conditions of other
cats, and if he caught sight of one would dart after it
with all speed, and literally make the fur fly in his deter-
mined attack on his adversary, seeming to consider he
combined in himself not only a recognised champion of
short-haired cats, but of the race of domestic cats, when-
ever he found them.

In consequence of this peculiarity, I was obliged to
keep him in much more restricted liberty than any other
of my cats, as he was too valuable to be risked and did
not object to going long distances to meet with a foeman
worthy of his steel. His portrait, that of his mother and
uncle, appear in my sketch of the Short-haired Silver
Tabby Cat, and I hope will give my readers a good idea
of that beautiful variety, which I think has no superior.

The following will show how one of the many silly
prejudices which exist in the minds of those who really
know little or nothing about the animal, caused the
destruction of the cat : —

" A cat which had long been remarked as one of the

246 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

wildest of those frequenting a barn belonging to a farm
on the borders of a wood in Argyllshire, so wild, indeed,
as to be seldom even seen by any of the people about the
place, was observed on several occasions during a severe
frost to pass and repass into the adjacent farmhouse,
which caused no little surprise, as it had not for some
years been known either to enter or even approach the
premises.

" Had it not been the best season for catching birds and
abundance of rats and mice about the place, it might have
been inferred that it was impelled by hunger.

"But on one of these stealthy visits, it was found
snugly coiled up in the infant's cradle, to the horror of the
mother, who imagined, in accordance, with a popular idea
amongst ignorant people, that it had come with the object
of * sucking away the baby's breath.'

" All that could be said to persuade her of the im-
possibility of the cat doing this, and that it had merely
selected the cradle for its warmth and softness, was of no
avail, and orders were immediately given to all the
servants on the farm to kill the poor cat wherever she
might be found.

" Her caution and agility were long successful in saving
her, and though the persecution she suffered rendered her,
if possible, much wilder than before, yet she was not
thereby deterred, not even by the showers of missiles
which assailed her on every appearance, from paying
constant visits to the cradle, because it was the warmest
place within her knowledge, and she considered warmth as
indispensable as life.

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 247

" She persisted thus in venturing to the cradle, till she
was at last intercepted and killed."

One of the most remarkable properties of the domestic
cat is the anxiety with which it makes itself acquainted
not only with every part of its usual habitation, but with
the dimensions and external qualities of every object by
which it is surrounded.

Cats do not at once readily adapt themselves to a
change of residence, but I have watched the process
usually adopted by those whose attachment to the family
is assured in reconciling themselves to such a change.

Every room in the house is surveyed from the garret
to the cellars, if a door is shut waiting patiently until it is
open to complete the survey ; ascertaining the relative size
and position of every article of furniture, and when this
knowledge has been acquired sitting down contented with
the new situation.

It appears to be necessary to a cat to be intimately
acquainted with every circumstance of the position, in the
same way that a general first examines the face of the
country in which he is to conduct his operations.

If a new piece of furniture, if even a large book or
portfolio is newly placed in a room which a cat frequents,
it walks round it, smells it, takes note of its size and
appearance, and then never troubles itself further about
the matter.

This is probably an instinctive quality, and I have no
doubt that wild cats, and as I have before said domestic
cats also that enjoy much liberty, take a survey of every
tree or stone, every gap in brake or thicket, and

248 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

every road or path within the ordinary range of their
operations.

The whiskers of the cat, as in the cases of lions and
other large cats, enable them to ascertain the space through
which the bodies may pass without the inconvenience of
attempting an impossible passage.

A correspondent relates a case where a boy brought
him three young squirrels which he had taken from their
nest in a tall fir tree. The little creatures were placed
under a cat that had recently lost her kittens, and he
found that she at once took to them and suckled them
with the same care and affection, as if they had been her
own progeny.

At Elford, near Lichfield, the Rev. Mr Sawlay secured
the young leverets from a hare which had been shot. His
cat, which had just lost her own kittens, carried them
away one by one in her mouth, intending, it was supposed,
to make a meal of them ; but it presently appeared it was
maternal affection, not hunger, which impelled her prompt
action in the matter, as she suckled them with the utmost
care and attention, and brought them up as their mother.

Many of my readers will have heard of and perhaps
seen cats which were said by their owners to be more than
a match for any dog. One I remember as a boy belonging
to a man with I think the uncommon name of Bones, who
kept a barber's shop in Nicholas Street, Bristol, before it
was widened out and made the important thoroughfare it
has since become.

It was a trick with its owner to stand at the door of
his shaving saloon in his leisure moments with the cat on

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 249

his shoulder, and sometimes if he saw a dog coming along,
particularly if alone, to let the cat down on its back ; in
nineteen cases out of twenty the dog, thus taken by
surprise, would run away howling, but one day he made a
mistake in his customer, jerked the cat on to a well-bred
bull terrier that was passing, who at once threw it off its
back and killed it in a few minutes.

The barber found out the owner of the dog and sued
him for the value of his cat, but it was proved not only
that the cat was the aggressor, but that it had been done
many times before, and the case was given against the
barber, with costs.

I remember my friend, R. H. Moore, the well-known
animal painter, telling me of an incident which occurred
to him.

He was out in his own neighbourhood, and being, as
one can see from his pictures, a keen lover of animals, had
one of his dogs, a Scottish terrier, with him.

When he went into a shop the woman said he had
better look out for his dog, as her cat was a terror to all
the dogs in the district. My friend told her he was not at
all anxious about his dog, who would take her own part
in the general way.

Presently the cat made a rush for the dog, and jumped
on her back ; she looked rather nonplussed for a moment
as the attack was unexpected, but then she quickly
reversed the order of affairs, the cat was on its back and
the dog standing over it, and its days would have been
ended then and there but for my friend's interference.

He kindly gave me the rough pencil sketches he made

250

RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

at the time, and which I greatly value, of what I call
" Turning the Tables."

I had an unpleasant experience of something of the
same kind with almost the first dog I ever bought with
my own money ; this was a Mustard Dandie whom I had
proved to be a good rat killer, but was not aware she had
an aversion to cats, until one day when she was out with
me, and saw one bolt down the area steps of a house in a
fashionable crescent, the bitch darted after her, and before I
could stop her, as the gate was locked, she had settled the
cat on its own threshold.

CHAPTER XXX

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS — continued

I REMEMBER a friend of mine getting into trouble in
somewhat the same way. He was out with a bull terrier,
who ran after and killed a stray cat before he could get to
them : and a policeman coming along just then, he was
summoned and fined for cruelty to animals, although he
was quite powerless to prevent what took place.

Cats sometimes get into difficulties on their own
account. I remember one of mine, a black tabby, or
short-haired smoke, apparently having fallen into a tub of
whitewash or some such stuff at some buildings which
were being put up in our neighbourhood.

We cleaned off every portion of it possible, but it had
the effect of removing all her hair, and she was as bare as
those hairless dogs we sometimes see, and a most pitiable
object, even to her tail.

Her body was dressed all over with an oily mixture
to nourish the coat and exclude the air, and we had
the satisfaction of seeing her make a complete recovery,
with a better coat than before ; she was an old favourite,

251

252 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

and we did not like the idea of having her destroyed, and
she lived to a good old age.

The same cat formed a close friendship with a cocka-
too and a brindled toy bull terrier, which then formed
part of our household ; although the dog was a sworn
enemy to any other cats, he and this cat would lie
together on the hearth-rug, and when the cat was foraging
at the stand forming the base of the cockatoo's perch, for
anything to her liking dropped by the bird, cockie would
slide down her pole and caress the cat with her beak,
and it was a favourite practice of hers on these occasions
to take hold of the cat's tail and run it through her beak,
doing it very gently, and as a sort of friendly recognition
of the relations between them.

We lived for many years at Laurel Bank, Downend, in
Gloucestershire, where we had seven or eight acres about
the place, and our nearest neighbour was a Mr Samuel
Rogers, who kept a number of prize-bred poultry, princi-
pally Black Hawburghs, Bantams, and Silkies, which used
to be running in a paddock adjoining part of our grounds.
Amongst our cats, at that time, was a very large and
handsome black Persian, a great winner of prizes, and
whose private name was Gipsy.

I suppose there must have been something irresistibly
fascinating about the chickens of the poultry I have men-
tioned, as on several occasions Gipsy made his appearance
with one of them in his mouth, to our intense annoyance,
as we felt there were likely to be "strained relations" in
consequence with our neighbours.

I went in, taking back the chicks, which were always

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 253

quite uninjured, explained the state of the case and entered
into a compact with them, that Gipsy should be let out
for exercise and recreation twice a day, and before his
release a big bell (like as is seen at railway stations) should
be rung, to give warning of the approach of the enemy,
when they shut up all the smaller birds, and we never had
any more trouble about the matter.

Gipsy never troubled about adult birds, and I think
caught the others more for fun than anything else, as he
never attempted to eat them, or objected to their being
taken away after he had shown his cleverness in catching
them.

In speaking of Short-haired White Cats I mentioned
a large specimen we had called Sam that took an immense
number of prizes and always kept himself in the height of
perfection, although except at night he was rarely indoors,
no matter what the weather was, and never seemed affected
by cold, as he would go out in the snow at any time.

Although it would be supposed his noticeable colour
would be greatly against his success, he was the most adroit
bird catcher I ever saw, never catching less than one or
two every day, and I firmly believe he mainly got his
own living in that way, as he was one of the smallest
eaters of all our cats, but a big-bodied animal and never
seemed to get out of condition.

He was immensely popular with us but most unsoci-
able with strangers, although never bad-tempered, but
reserved in the highest degree.

The brown tabby, Laurel Quar, I spoke of in the
sketch of that variety, was purchased by a stone-cutter in

254 RABBITS, CATS AND CAVIES

our district, of a boy who had been ordered to drown him
in the pond in a quarry, hence his name, and after he
came into my hands he took many prizes at our largest
shows, and was one of the best really brown tabbies I
have seen for many years, so many of that supposed
colour being greyish where they should be brown.

About five years since there was a man who went
under the name of Leonidas, who had been very success-
ful as a trainer of performing dogs and cats. The following
are some of his experiences of the latter : —

" I train my dogs and cats by kindness and patience,
oh ! so much patience.

" The main thing is to get them to understand what
you want them to do, and then they do it quickly enough ;
I am sure dogs and cats reason up to a certain point.

" They can reason sufficiently to understand what I want
them to do. It isn't imitation, because I never show them
what I want done, but explain what I wish, and tell them
to do it.

" Dogs have more reason than cats, and are far easier to
train.

" Cats are capricious, and must be coaxed all the time ;
if you let a cat know you are trying to make it do a thing,
it won't do it ; one must always be kind to them.

"To teach them new tricks, I tell them what I want
done, and flatter them into doing it. For instance, when
I wanted to teach Mimisse, the cat, to climb up a rope
the full height of the stage, open and enter a basket
attached to a parachute, which I let loose, I hold her on
the rope and say, ' Up, up, up ! ' petting her all the time.

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 255

" Soon she knew that it would please me if she would
go up, and up she started. When she got to the top, I
told her to open the basket and get in.

" She understood what I meant, because she is accus-
tomed to open the lid and enter a basket, held in the
mouth of one of my performing dogs.

" I let the parachute down very gently at first, but after
she had done the trick several times I could bring it
down as suddenly as I pleased.

" The time required for learning a new trick depends,
both on the nature of the trick itself and upon the indi-
vidual intelligence of each one of the pupils. The things
which look hardest to the audience are often the simplest
of the whole performance. I never dare to punish the
cats at all, they are too contrary in their disposition ; I
believe if I struck one of them, it would never act again.

" It takes a long time to get an idea into a cat's head.
When I was teaching my company the circus act, 1 almost
gave up in despair. The dogs act as horses and the cats
as riders. A dog trots round the ring, passing under a
chair on which sits a cat ; as the dog comes out from
under the chair, the cat springs on his back, and jumps
back on the chair when the circuit is completed.

" It is very hard for the cat to get a good grip, especi-
ally on short-haired dogs, and they used their claws at first
to keep them from falling off. This, of course, hurt the
dogs, and they would shake the cats off.

" It took me months of patient instruction to teach the
cats that they must hold on by the pressure of their legs
and feet, and not use their claws at all. These things

256 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

require much time, patience and flattery, if success is to
be obtained."

" A correspondent of a once popular weekly journal,
under the initials R. D., and who had evidently never
heard of Manx cats, writes as follows : —

" In the parish of Peniswick, Hamlet of Shepscombe,
there was some time since, and most probably there is now,
a singular breed of cats.

" I had an opportunity of seeing one of them in the
house of Mr Neville, the clergyman. These cats have no
tails whatever, being like some shepherd's dogs, guileless of
the shadow of a tail. But what is still more extraordinary,
they neither walk nor trot across the room, all their move-
ments are precisely those of the rabbit. Thus, instead of
walking they hop, whether at a slow or fast pace. With
the exception of a deficiency in the caudal appendage, the
animal is in all other respects a perfect cat. I could not,
though I made diligent inquiry, learn anything satisfactory
as to the origin of these animals, which have so much the
resemblance of a cross between bunny and grimalkin."

The above paragraph elicited a reply in a subsequent
number of the periodical from a correspondent, giving the
initials M. R., and ran as follows : —

" I have much pleasure in answering an inquiry relative
to a race of cats without tails, one of which is stated
to have belonged to a clergyman at Shepscombe,
Glo. :

" Having lived many years in that locality, and
possessed one of the tailless cats, I can give you every
particular on the subject.

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 257

" Mr Neville first brought a kitten without a tail from
the Isle of Man ; she became on growing up the parent
of numerous progeny. One of the kittens was given
to my mother, and a more gentle, amiable and affectionate
little quadruped never acquired the affection of a house-
hold.

" Her fur was light tortoiseshell in colour, and
remarkably soft. She was somewhat more delicate
than many of her grimalkin neighbours, and as re-
gards her tail, it was about half an inch long, merely
a little tuft.

" But we did not observe that the want of that natural
rudder prevented her from running in a straight line,
or climbing trees most admirably.

" Her movements were remarkably graceful and cat-
like in all respects, and I never observed in her actions
or mode of progressing the slightest similarity to those
of the Rabbit family.

" One or two of her kittens were nearly, if not quite,
without tails — occasionally she had long-tailed kittens ;
her mother, as I have said, came from the Isle of Man."

From the foregoing I have no doubt that the cat
described by R. D. was a pure Manx, and the one
in the paragraphs above a half-bred Manx, taking
after the dam in tail but with the action of its long-
tailed sire, and the fact that such specimens are
occasionally exhibited in Manx and Variety Classes
is my reason for saying in my sketch about Manx cats
that all cats even born without tails are not necessarily
pure-bred specimens of the variety.

258 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

The following extract from the Animal Biography,
published in 1805, although of course antiquated in
its language, is not without interest to the readers
of the present day : —

" Instances are very common of cats returning of
their own accord to the places from whence they have
been carried ; though at a distance of many miles,
and even across rivers where they could not possibly
have had any knowledge either of the road or the
direction that would lead them to it.

" This may perhaps arise from their having been
acquainted in their former habitation with all the
retreats of the mice and the passages and outlets of
the house, and from the disadvantages which they must
experience in these particulars by changing their
residence.

"No experiment can be more beautiful than that
of setting a kitten for the first time before a looking-
glass.

" The animal appears surprised and pleased with the
resemblance, and makes several attempts at touching its
new acquaintance, and at length, finding its efforts fruit-
less, it looks behind the glass and appears highly astonished
at the absence of the figure. It again views itself and
tries to touch the image with its foot, suddenly looking
at intervals behind the glass.

"It then becomes more accurate in its observations,
and begins, as it were, to make experiments by stretching
out its paw in different directions, and when it finds that
these motions are answered in every respect by the figure

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 259

in the glass, it seems at length to be convinced of the
real nature of the image.

" The same is the case with dogs at an early age.

" The sleep of the cat, though generally very slight,
is, however, sometimes so profound that the animal
requires to be shaken pretty briskly before it can be
awakened.

" This particularly takes place chiefly in the depth of
winter, and on the approach of snowy weather. At such
periods, as well as at some others, the cat diffuses a
fragrant smell somewhat like that of cloves.

"It has been remarked that the eyes of cats always
shine with a bright light when they are in the dark.

"It is generally supposed they can see in the dark,
but though this is not absolutely the case, it is certain
they can see with much less light than most other
animals, owing to the peculiar structure of their eyes,
the pupils of which are capable of being contracted or
dilated in proportion to the degree of light by which
they are affected.

" In the day time the pupil of the cat's eye is
perpetually contracted, and sometimes into a mere
line, for it is with difficulty that it can see by a
strong light ; but in the twilight the pupil resumes
its natural roundness, and the animal enjoys perfect
vision.

"It appears somewhat singular that on plunging the
head of a cat into water, although the animal be exposed
to a very bright light the pupil should become im-
mediately expanded to all its width.

260 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

"This, however, is to be accounted for on optical
principles."

When the late Mr Baumgarten was at Damascus
he saw there a kind of hospital for cats.

The house in which they were kept was very large,
walled round, and was said to be quite full of them.

On inquiring into the origin of this singular institu-
tion, he was told that Mahomet, when he once lived there,
brought with him a cat which he kept in the sleeve of
his robe, and carefully fed with his own hands.

His followers in that place, therefore, ever afterwards
paid a superstitious respect to those animals, and supported
them in this manner by public alms, which were very
adequate for the purpose.

The patience, vigilance, craft, utility and cleanliness
of the cat have also obtained for it the highest degree of
protection in the Eastern mythology ; so far, indeed, that
it is there esteemed the noblest species of its tribe.

A curious fact in the natural history of the cat is
related of one belonging to Dr Coventry, formerly
Professor of Agriculture at Edinburgh, which was born
perfect in all its parts, but lost its tail by an accident
which took place when it was a youngster.

It had many litters of kittens, and in every one of
these there was one or more that was wanting in tail,
either wholly or partially.

The following is related by a correspondent, who
knew the parties concerned, the circumstances and the
cat, and confirms my opinion that when kindly treated
cats attach themselves to persons more than to places.

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 261

The cat in question was sent when a kitten from Bath
to Evesham, in Worcestershire, and formed a warm
friendship with one of the sons of her master's opposite
neighbour, who was an intimate friend and often at
the house.

The young man left Evesham, but on his returning
there he referred to his little friend the cat, whose owner
had left the place and resided some ten miles off, and said
he would go and call on her owner and see if the cat was
still in the land of the living, and whether it would re-
member him.

Accordingly he made out his visit, and on his arrival
the delight of the cat was so great that her owner con-
sented to his bringing her back with him, that she might
enjoy his company for the rest of his visit at Evesham,
and she was so perfectly happy at being with him that she
remained on the best of terms with the pet animals and
birds at the strange home to which she was taken, and
none of them ever exhibited any annoyance or jealousy
at the introduction of the visitor.

She would sit on her friend's knee, and rub herself
against his shoulders and face, purring loudly all the
time. At meal times no choice morsel would tempt
her from his side, and at night a snug bed was prepared
for her and carried into her friend's bedroom, but even
that would not satisfy her until some article of his cloth-
ing was placed in the basket for her to lie on. During
his absence in the day time she would trot about the
house, seeming quite at home, and, when tired of looking
for her friend inside the house, would go into the garden

262 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

and take up a position in one of the trees overlooking
the road, and there patiently await his return. Once
he was in sight she was happy.

Strange as the affection of this animal was, it was
none the less extraordinary that she should come to a
strange house, where all except one was quite new to her,
yet never for an instant appeared lost or perplexed.

She made herself a favourite with one and all, and at
the end of her friend's visit was sent back to her master's
house, where she at once fell into her old habits, probably
living in hopes some day again of seeing her old friend.

The following is an extract from an interesting article
which appeared on cats in an old number of the Illustrated
London News, and shows not only that there are grades
in cat society, but that they can, as I have often noticed
amongst dogs, recognise days and the voices of people in
whom they are interested : —

" A not uncommon phrase in households is that of the
* parlour cat ' and the * kitchen cat,' and I believe it to
be an undoubted fact that there are differences in the
character of the creatures, which somehow prompt the
one to seek the cheerful light and talk of a sitting-room,
and the other rather to brood and nestle in the gloomier
but warmer regions below.

" The one is always seen conspicuously on the rug or
stretched upon the footstool ; the other making casual
appearance on the stairs and flying like a spectre on the
approach of anyone but the cook.

" The one creature seems to have a sort of aristocracy
in its nature, and it is all but uniformly the handsomer

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 263

cat of the twain ; the other is most probably a vulgar
plain plebeian with its original shyness still strongly
present in it.

"Of my three cats two I reckon as parlour cats, and
the third has been by kind usage and encouragement
coaxed into a degree of the same familiarity. Still, how-
ever, the natural timidity seems unconquerable. If you
make a rapid motion towards the creature she bounds
away like a wild thing. Her two comrades, on the con-
trary, are frightened at nothing.

" The room, the occupants, the whole locality seem
their own special sphere and natural dwelling-place ; and
the only period of the day when the three appear to be
merged into a common character, is as the hour for the
visit of the cats' meat man approaches, when they are sure
to be waiting at the door, and set up their sweet voices
as soon as they hear that of the vendor of the food.

" It is to be remarked that they take not the slightest
notice of the daily cry of a rival practitioner who peram-
bulates the street at nearly the same time, and that on
Sundays, when no such visit takes place, they never appear
to expect the weekday ceremony, but are perfectly aware
of a double quantity of their accustomed food being
stowed away in a certain cupboard, round which they
cluster with arching backs and waving tails."

People sometimes complain that kittens are pretty
playful things, but that they lose the gentleness and
piquant prettiness of their youth when they mature and
grow into adult cats.

The complaint is most unreasonable, for the fact is

264 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

that the playfulness of kittenhood (particularly with
healthy good-tempered cats) can be partially kept up by
a little encouragement even when they have grown into
" potent, grave and reverend seigneurs," and can be
induced to skip, roll and tumble in the most absurdly
awkward mimicry of the small fry, which in the words of
the late Mr Micawber have not "ceased to derive nourish-
ment from nature's font."

The following account of a cat and dog friendship is
related by a correspondent at Tottenham, who was an
eye witness of the scene described : —

"A few days ago I was present at a pretty and
interesting scene at the house of a near relative.

" He is the owner of a King Charles Toy Spaniel named
Hoppy, and a fine tabby cat known as Toodles.

' ' This frisky pair began their games shortly after my
arrival and continued at intervals during the whole after-
noon and evening. Never did I see cat and dog so
thoroughly enjoy themselves — Hoppy sprang on Toodles,
who caught him by the neck and floored him.

"Then the order was reversed, Toodles being down.
Now a regular wrestling and both down together. Up
again, roll over each other. He making a grab at her
tail finds her too quick for him and is caught by his own
brush.

" She takes up her position with her back to the fender,
and as he makes his spring she throws him. He now
takes up the opposite position to her and the four paws
of each of them move with wonderful rapidity.

" The most perfect good-humour prevails ; she never

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS

265

lets her claws be seen. There is no angry growling or
barking. Such thoroughly good-tempered play I never
before witnessed between a dog and a cat, and others
besides the feline race might take a hint from what is here
recorded."

CHAPTER XXXI

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS — continued

SOME years since I saw a paragraph in that popular
fanciers' paper, Fur and Feather^ giving short particulars of
a cat which had taken to quite a novel recreation, being
that of 'mountaineering, and its doings were duly
chronicled in some of the local Swiss papers : —

" The cat came upon the scene suddenly and no one
knew from whence. It had already reached months of
discretion when it took up its abode and profession in
the mountain hospice, and was then to be seen most
days at the foot of the Dent du Midi, not far from
Salfaufe.

" Here this remarkable tabby came to meet the moun-
taineers on their start and followed them c like a dog ' ;
only dogs do not, as a rule, show any fancy for the high
Alps.

"It accompanied them to the very summit, and shared
the climbers' frugal fare. Indeed, it is supposed to be for
the sake of the broken fragments that this Alpine cat
makes its daily ascent.

266

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 267

" Times had been bad for man and beast in the pouring
rains, which had very much damped the autumn joys of
the Swiss tourists in the Valais.

" Perhaps even cats found it hard to make an honest
living, but surely a daily ascent of 3185 metres for the
sake of a scanty lunch is to take life too seriously ; or is
it that in lordly contempt of the canine race, the animal
meant to emulate the St Bernards ? "

The two following are taken from the same paper and
may interest some of my readers : —

" There is a gambling house in Queen's County that
has a cat different from the kind usually found in such
places ; it is about seven months old and spent nearly all
its life in the gaming establishment.

" From its first day in the gambling saloon the kitten
showed great interest in the roulette wheel, the spinning
ball and the whirling disc had apparently great fascina-
tions, and it never tired of watching the game being
played.

"While the croupier was whirling the ball, the
cat occupied a position behind the duprack, where
the ball could be watched, and the animal did not
lose sight of the ivory pellet for a moment. None
of the eager players watched it with more interest
or attention. When the roulette game doses and the
ball was placed in the little depression at the top
of the spindle the cat began to enjoy itself. He
knocked the ball off the pedestal, pulled it up to the
edge of the wheel and sent it spinning round the groove.
He gave the disc a whirl in the opposite direction and

268 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

intently watched the wheel until the ball dropped into
a pocket.

" The cat then stopped the wheel, pulled the ball out,
and repeated the operation.

" This was continued for hours, and each time the ball
and wheel were watched as closely as if one of the cat's
proverbial nine lives depended on the result."

"A remarkable curiosity of natural history is re-
ported from Swanage; a cat belonging to Miss Vincent, of
the Victoria Royal Hotel, was the proud mother of four
kittens, which she was rearing in a cow shed.

" One of the servants on going to the shed was sur-
prised to find a rat suckling with the kittens, the cat
nursing the rodent with as much solicitude as her own
progeny.

" The interloper was remarkably tame, and it had to
be forcibly removed from its comfortable nest, where it
appeared to be on the best of terms with its feline foster
mother."

The following is from a correspondent, a keen lover
of animals : —

" Some time since, calling at one of the bird shops
existing at that time in Great Andrew Street, Holborn,
to make a purchase, we saw running over the counters
three of the prettiest squirrels we had ever clapped eyes
on, quite young and very tame. Hot in pursuit of them
was a young black and white cat about six months old,
who pounced upon and caught the little creatures, one
after the other, in her mouth.

" The whole party was in a state of the greatest delight

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 269

and rushed helter-skelter into a large cage, the door of
which stood open — the owner of the shop closed the
cage, which had wooden sides with wires front and
back.

" It was most interesting to watch the motherly kind-
ness of the cat towards her unusual playfellows. She
fondled them one after the other ; licked them carefully
all over with her rough tongue, and turned complete
somersaults over their heads. They too were full of
antics and did much the same with her ; never have we
seen a prettier sight.

" Then they would all lie down tired together and curl
themselves up, either on the cat's back or beneath her
fore paws, which she raised to receive them. This cat,
be it observed, is an excellent mouser, which makes the
above-mentioned friendship all the more surprising, and
these gambols are of daily occurrence.

" The mother of the young cat referred to had just
kittened when we were there, and we advised her owner
to associate them with the squirrels from the first ;
running about together in a house in the country they
would afford endless amusement ; as for their tricks and
gambols, they would be indescribable."

My friend, Mr W. Isbell, of Clifton, who is not only
a keen lover of all kinds of animals but is skilful in
portraying their features in water-colours and oils, has
sent me the following amongst other of his experiences : —

" When we were living at Lydney, in Gloucestershire,
we had a favourite female cat with one kitten, and as the
latter was found dead with evidently the marks of teeth

270 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

upon it, we supposed the mother had tired of her
maternal cares and restrictions, and considered the
shortest way to bring them to an end was to remove
the cause. She was accordingly strongly suspected and
severely scolded for her unnatural behaviour, but no
punishment was administered.

" Very shortly afterwards, the cat made her way into
the dining-room, bearing in her mouth the body of a
fine freshly-killed stoat, clearly for the purpose of
vindicating her maternal character by the production of
the actual murderer of her kitten, whom she had just
caught and despatched.

" Some cats are very fond of exhibiting to their owners
the results of their prowess. A large neuter cat of ours
used frequently to catch chickens and young pullets and
bring them in alive in his mouth to prove how clever he
was, though they were always taken from him and restored
to the fowl-yard.

" For some time we had a tame pigeon we called
Anthony, who shared the kitchen hearthrug with a
cat and her kitten, and if the latter mewed when the
mother was absent, Anthony would go in search of her
and drive her to the kitten by sweeping her towards it
with his tail in the way pigeons are observed to do when
driving a hen to her nest."

I may add a note of my own experience to the above.
When we lived at Long Ashton, in Somersetshire, many
years since, we had a large female short-haired black cat,
and our next neighbour was Farmer Keedwell, whose
barton adjoined our orchards, and had a number of ricks

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 271

of hay, corn, etc., which probably afforded a fine hunting
ground in the way of rats and mice.

It was a common practice when I was leaving home in
the mornings to find Topsy in the front garden awaiting
my departure with the results of her latest efforts laid out
for my approval, consisting of one or more dead rats ;
and this occurred on so many occasions and always in
the same place in the garden which I must pass on my
way to the gate, that I am sure it was done for the
purpose of showing she was doing her duty. This cat,
which by his particular desire I left behind me when my
friend, Mr Thomas Davy, took the place off my hands,
was the mother of the black tabby I before mentioned as
falling into the whitewash, as he kindly sent me the latter,
knowing what a high opinion I entertained of her
mother's qualities. One peculiarity of the daughter I
omitted to mention was her utter fearlessness with dogs,
and she had many hair-breadth escapes with the number I
kept.

I remember one occasion when I lived at Cedar
Lodge, Downend, and had twelve or fifteen out at
exercise on the lawns. At that time most of them were
Dandies, Skyes, Fox Terriers and Sheepdogs, with a few
Bulldogs and others. I was alone with my kennelman
only, when suddenly I noticed Lunatic, the name I
gave to the black tabby, sitting calmly in the centre of
one of the lawns quite surrounded with dogs !

I was horrorstruck for a moment, as I knew if she
moved she would be torn in pieces, so shouted to
Hale to call off the dogs while I slowly approached

272 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

the cat, picked her up, and shut her in the green-
house.

I am pleased to say she survived all her risks and
died of old age in her nineteenth year, and was well and
active till a few days before her death.

Mr James Kilpatrick tells a wonderful tale of a cat's
reasoning powers : —

"I have a cat that is a great bird hunter; a few
days ago, while sitting in the porch of my house, I
noticed her digging industriously in one corner of the
garden.

" This was an unusual proceeding, so I kept my eyes
on her to see what was her object, and was surprised to
see her drag out a nice fat worm from the hole.

" She dug out a couple more, and then carried the
wriggling bunch in her mouth to the centre of the
garden, where she dropped them down and glided back to
a place of concealment.

"In a few minutes a group of sparrows spied the
tempting worms and swooped down on them ; that was
the cat's chance.

" She pounced upon them like lightning, and nabbed
one of the party at the first jump."

Mrs Margaret Peete, of Brooklyn, is the legal
guardian of a cat named Pinky, who is nine years old,
and came into her possession by the will of her late
mother, Mrs Amelia Van Vleck, who died some eight or
nine years since.

In her will, Mrs Van Vleck set aside 200 dollars
(£40) per annum for the maintenance of her cat.

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 273

Under the watchful eye and care of her guardian,
Pinky has grown sleek and fat, and has managed to
consume the proceeds of her allowance every year.
Tender chops and all the delicacies of the season are
her daily fare.

I am indebted to the Animal's Friend for the
following : —

4 ' A young man at Eastbourne, not yet twenty-five years
of age, is in the last stage of slow decline, having been ill
for the last seven years.

"About a year ago a very small kitten entered the
house and was turned out again, but persisted in her
efforts, and was allowed to stay. It attached itself to the
invalid and became his constant companion. Shortly
afterwards a copy of the Children's Supplement was sent
to him with the picture of a kitten greatly resembling
his favourite. His mother cut out the picture, framed
it, and placed it on the mantelpiece. The invalid was
much pleased with it, and asked to have the picture
placed in his coffin when he died.

" This will be done, and so this little stray kitten has
been the means of affording pleasure and interest to the
last days of the invalid, and the cat has become a valued
member of the household with which she was so
determined to associate herself."

The following is from that popular paper, The People : —

4 ' It is, of course, a well-known fact that animals teach
their young what they have learnt by experience, and
there can be but little doubt that those which have been
educated by man will at times endeavour to impart their

s

274 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

knowledge to their less accomplished brethren, amongst
whom it frequently happens that apt pupils are found,
who become so proficient as to surpass their teachers
in the arts.

" This, however, does not appear to be the case with the
kitten of the next-door neighbour of one of our corre-
spondents, whose educated Pete was endeavouring to
put it through the facings of one of his great accomplish-
ments, as the following will show.

" Pete, the torn cat, was sitting at the back door, side
by side with the neighbour's kitten, which he has taken
under his protection.

"Presently we saw him sit up on his hind quarters, an
accomplishment commonly called begging, which he has
been taught, and does to perfection.

" He repeated this several times, all the while looking
at the kitten, which, in its turn, was staring at Pete with
all its might, until, probably frightened at such extra-
ordinary behaviour, it suddenly escaped over the wall of
the yard.

"It is permissible to infer that Pete wanted to teach
the kitten his accomplishment."

The AntmaVs Friend^ that rightly-named paper, is
responsible for the following on the vanity of cats : —

" We have heard the story of the mare who was being
ridden along Birdcage Walk and nearly threw her rider
by stopping to look at her reflection in a pool of
water.

" The late Dr Romanes tells an interesting story of
cats who used to regard themselves, or their reflections, in

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 275

looking-glasses, and at last convinced themselves of their
being illusions."

Now, we know that cats like to be taken notice of, and
the more attention they are paid the more effusively patron-
ising they become, until there is scarcely any part of your
anatomy they do not crawl over and test their claws upon.

A writer in Science Gossip says he is satisfied that an
intelligent cat of his, on looking in the mirror, satisfied
himself that it was in some way his own image.

" Even if my deduction be wrong, the first part of his
proceedings was so singularly like those in Dr Romanes'
accounts that it seems a uniform law of cat nature to act
in this way, and so far it may not be altogether un-
interesting. I put the cat on the table in front of a
small toilet mirror. After looking at his reflection for a
short time, he went behind the glass, then he returned
to his seat in front and watched it attentively.

" After a few moments he dashed rapidly behind it ; he
again returned to his place in front of the glass, and while
retaining his seat and keeping his eye fixed on the image,
he struck about behind the glass with his paw in different
directions.

" His next action was, I think, suggested by seeing the
image apparently strike with its paw also.

" Keeping his seat and retaining his eyes fixed on the
image, he proceeded to, if I may use the term, posture in
front of the glass. He raised his paws alternately, licked
them, touched the glass, moved his head, etc.

" I have tried to simply describe the facts and, so far as
possible, avoid drawing conclusions."

276 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

The following has been told in confirmation of the
idea that cats have some presentiments of evil : —

" The morning before the recent accident to H.M.
Destroyer Salmon, that vessel was lying alongside of
H.M.S. Sturgeon.

" Upon the former vessel dwelt two cats, the special
pets of the crew, and who had never been known to show
the smallest inclination to leave the ship.

"But on this particular morning, in spite of being
chased by the crew and worried by the dogs, the cats
never faltered in their determination to get off the
Salmon and on to the Sturgeon.

"And when the first-named destroyer had weighed
anchor for what was to prove the disastrous voyage, the
cats made one last spring as the vessels separated, and
landed themselves on the deck of H.M.S. Sturgeon."

The following account of a ship- wrecked cat appeared
in the Animal's Friend : —

"When walking home from chapel one Sunday
morning, I observed in front of me a boy and girl, and
from the arm of the former something was hanging down
which looked like a cat's tail.

" I overtook them and found the boy had a dark
tabby cat in his arms, so asked them about such an
unusual proceeding on a Sunday morning.

" They told me their father, who was the captain of a
vessel, had sent them to fetch the ship's cat, thinking it
might feel lonely on board while the crew had all gone
on shore.

" It appeared that when in the Indian Ocean some

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 277

months before this, they had come across a raft, from
which every human being had disappeared, and the only
living thing on it was this cat, so she was taken off by the
sailors and made a great pet on board.

" No doubt, if she had the power of speech, that cat
could give some thrilling accounts of what she went
through while alone on that raft in the ocean."

We often hear of animals saving the lives of human
beings, but not nearly so often of men who have risked
their lives to save those of animals.

A pleasant sight was seen in Dublin some short time
since, when a large building was in flames.

All the human beings had been rescued by the exertions
of the firemen, who worked with their wonted devotion
to duty, when the attention of the crowd was attracted by
the piercing cries of a cat, and on looking up they saw a
large black cat pacing up and down outside one of the
upper windows, showing signs of the greatest distress.

The leap to the ground was too great for it to attempt,
and the flames inside the room were burning fiercely.
Each moment the people below expected to see it fall and
be dashed on the pavement.

They were greatly delighted and excited to see one of
the gallant firemen run the fire escape across the road,
place it against the burning house, run up it, and bring
the poor cat safely down in his arms.

A hearty round of cheering greeted the couple, as
the brave fireman and the cat stood once more out of
danger.

We have heard of boxing kangaroos and pumas, but

278 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

it is something quite out of the common to read of the
experiences of Mr Arthur Head, F.Z.S., as recounted in
Pearson s Magazine, with a performing specimen of the
above-named great cat.

It seems that for the last eight years the artist in
question has been engaged in drawing from nature the
eyes of every kind of animal in the cause of science.

This perilous work has been undertaken to assist Dr
Lindsay Johnson in a new method of classifying the
animal kingdom.

Many adventures have befallen Mr Head in his
dealings with wild animals ; not the least amusing of
which were his experiences with a puma, thus related : —

" I happened to hear that a travelling showman was
exhibiting a tame puma at Mitcham Fair, and as I had
to take every opportunity to obtain my drawings, I
hastened off to interview the beast.

" I found he was advertised as a Champion Boxing
Puma and that he had been trained to fight in the most
approved style.

" The owner was most obliging when I told him I
wanted to draw his pet's eyes, and fastened boxing gloves
on his fore feet so that he should not scratch me with his
claws, and then made him sit up on some boxes in the
darkened tent.

"Thinking no harm would come of it, I put my
ophthalmoscope to my eye, and began to examine the
puma's eyes.

" A moment later a terrific blow fell on the side of
my head, and I was sent flying backwards.

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 279

" The brute thought I wanted to have a boxing match
with him ; he not unnaturally associated the gloves with
fighting, and as soon as I put my head close to his, he
struck out.

" His master scolded him, and when peace had been
restored I made a second attempt, this time on the
lookout for the attack.

"But I had only just settled down to work, when up
went his paws again, and I scarcely dodged in time.

" Now the brute entered into the fun with a whole
heart ; he rained his blows at me, ducking his head in the
finest style whenever I tried to capture it.

" His defence was faultless and his right-paw swing
terrific.

0 1 could not get near him, try as I might, and the
more I tried the more fiercely he sparred, and so at last I
owned myself beaten.

" By this time, a large crowd had assembled outside
the tent, hearing the noise of my attempt to fight the
boxing puma.

" So the showman insisted on arranging a special per-
formance for my benefit, and, setting me on a throne of
honour, he opened his tent to the crowd, charging double
price for admission, and reaping a rich harvest thereby.

*' When I saw the puma boxing with his master, I
realised what a dangerous feat I had attempted !

" I am still on the lookout for a quiet puma, who will
allow me to draw its eyes in the cause of science."

I must apologise for including the above amongst my
anecdotes, but it so strongly reminded me of the per-

280 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

formances of ordinary cats under similar circumstances
that I have sometimes seen take place with trained troupes
of those animals, that I thought it might be interesting
although the great cat in question is not found amongst
its relations at the shows.

The following account of a Cat Fair appeared in the
paper called Travel : —

" A very ancient fair, dating back a couple of centuries,
is held every year at Sartilly in France, and the origin of
its name is said to be derived from the circumstance that
a small farmer in the district, being behind with his rent,
found himself unable to pay the sum of a hundred francs
due to his landlord, and the latter agreed that the cow of
the tenant should be sold at the fair, and to accept in
discharge of his claim the amount produced by the sale of
the cow.

" The farmer accordingly proceeded to the fair accom-
panied by the cow and his household cat.

" To all inquirers as to the price of the cow, he told
them he wanted ten francs for her and a hundred
francs for the cat and would not sell one without the
other.

" At last a purchaser was found for the singular pair
of animals, and the landlord who also attended the fair,
to learn for himself the result of the deal, was so amused
at the ingenuity of his tenant, that he accepted the ten
francs with good grace, and gave him a receipt in full
discharge of all claims for rent. Ever since the annual
gathering has been known as the Cat Fair."

A correspondent of the popular paper, Our Cats, gives

ANECDOTES ABOUT CATS 281

an amusing account of the vagaries of a cat with kittens
in a recent number : —

" I should like to explain an experience I had with a
Persian cat. Her first kittens were taken away as they
were no good ; the second time she had kittens we could
not trace them anywhere, so we watched her very carefully,
and at last we heard a noise like cats in the roof. We
then had the roof examined, and found six beautiful
kittens. She got to this place in a very remarkable way,
down a water-spout."

In an article on clever cats and dogs in same paper
lately appeared the following : —

" My aunt had a cat which the servants conspired
to kill because they thought her a witch. On more than
one occasion she drew her mistress's attention to dishes,
which had been broken and hidden by the girls, by pulling
at her dress, running to the place and mewing. Once when
she had a great many kittens my aunt said to her, ' Annie,
you have too many kittens, you must give me one ' — no
sooner said than done — Annie trotted off, reappearing in a
few minutes with the strongest, which she laid at my aunt's
feet. ' There, now you've got it, keep it,' she said in cat
language, for she would have nothing more to do with it,
and when put beside her, took it in her mouth and laid it
again before my aunt. Accordingly it was brought up on
the bottle, and grew into a splendid fellow in course of
time."

To face page 282.

CAVIES

CHAPTER XXXII

PERUVIAN CAVIES

IT has been asserted that Guinea Pigs had no title to
either of the words forming their original name, as they
are said to have come from Brazil, not Guinea, and have
no relationship to any kind of pig.

In the same way I have not been able to obtain proof
that any of the above were imported from Peru, or that
they are now to be found there, but rather that those first
seen in this country came from the Continent of Europe.

Be this as it may, they have not been called here by
any other name than Peruvians, and will probably continue
to be called so to the end of the chapter.

When once the difficulty is got over of learning to
distinguish the head from the other end, they are to many
fanciers the most interesting of the three varieties of
Cavies used for exhibition, and they certainly offer most
scope for the display of care and attention, in turning
them out in show form, as I should very much doubt if
any variety of four-footed stock of the same weight is
capable of growing a coat of such length.

Perhaps the nearest to approach it in this respect is

285

286 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

the Yorkshire Toy Terrier, then the Maltese Terrier, and
lastly the Skye Terrier, the two first-named being small
breeds, occasionally seen as low in weight as four pounds,
but a small Skye Terrier would be nine or ten pounds at
least, and most of the winners at the present day would
run to twenty pounds and over.

No one should take up this variety unless either pre-
pared to give them personal and individual attention, or
having reliable attendants, with requisite knowledge to
enable them to do so.

Every specimen intended for show purposes should be
gone over every day ; the pigs soon become used to be
handled, and will give no trouble at all if gently treated.

Combing must not be attempted, as the coats are very
lightly attached to the skin, and will soon be much
injured by the hair pulled out in the teeth of the comb.

I have found the best plan of dealing with them is to
hold them on the extended palm of the left hand, and
brush the coats downward with an ordinary hair brush
with long bristles to it (not a wire brush, which is apt to
have the same effect as a comb), going over it all round
until it feels soft and clear to the touch.

This in my opinion is better than putting the little
animal on a table or shelf, where it is not likely to keep
quite still during the operation, and may possibly pick up
something in its coat ; the whole affair if done daily need
not occupy more than a few minutes, but it will save a
deal of trouble afterwards.

Contrary to what may be supposed from its abundant
coat, this variety is thought to be the least hardy of the

PERUVIAN CAVIES 287

family, and should always be kept in hutches inside a house
or shed of some kind, as they are not found able to stand
exposure to either wet or cold, and would not be likely to
do well, unless in a thoroughly protected position.

I consider the Peruvians are especially suited for ladies
to take up as a hobby, as yielding best results to those who
have infinite capacity for taking pains, as we know the
fair sex are used to in many of the forms of handiwork,
and such like, they have made especially their own. And
I am encouraged in this opinion by the fact that many of
the best specimens of the variety I have ever seen have
either been bred by ladies, or came from strains procured
from them.

As I said in a few introductory notes, these are in
comparatively few hands, and I think there is room for
a few enterprising exhibitors to take up the variety with
zeal, and seek to obtain more entries at the shows, which
will mean the provision of a better classification and
keener competition for the prizes.

I think more enthusiasm has been shown by the
fanciers of the other two varieties than of this, and that
more can be done with it than has hitherto been accom-
plished.

In the matter of feeding, quality is not to be sacrificed
to quantity, and, whatever the food given, let it be the
best and most nourishing of its kind obtainable. A
little sweet meadow hay should be given morning and
evening, if placed in a little wire rack within easy reach
so much the better, to avoid risk of its being trodden on
and soiled ; I have found a little bread and milk, squeezed

288 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

so as not to be wet, relished with the morning meal, and a
few sound heavy oats ; for the mid-day meal some kind of
green food, of which I prefer plantains, water-cress, carrot
tops or roots, parsley, dandelions, chicory, comfrey,
broccoli or cauliflower leaves to any other, as I think the
less of water-producing food given to Peruvians the better,
it being desirable their long coats should be kept as dry
as possible.

For the same reason I prefer longish straw for the
bedding of their hutches, to hay, peat, sawdust, or other
materials.

At night, I advise, in addition to a little hay as
mentioned, a mixture of a little bran with some kind of
meal, either oat, barley or rice, but with an occasional
change, made moist enough to stick together but not wet.

Ringing the changes on the various items named, I
think the little creatures, if kept scrupulously clean, which
I take as a matter of course, will be found to do fairly
well.

In the matter of hutches or pens, this variety is not
inclined to take much exercise, and each specimen intended
for show should have a hutch to itself, on account of the
propensity I mentioned to nibble each other's coats, and
I have found the show pens, which can be obtained of any
of the contractors for penning at shows, in blocks of
six each, only requiring boarding of the same length and
a little greater width to stand them on, make the best pens
for exhibition stock.

I think it best not to attempt to show and breed with
the same animals, at anyrate more particularly the sows,

PERUVIAN CAW, SELF — " CH. GRAND DUKE."
Owner, W. A. Sherlock.

PERUVIAN CAVY, SELF — " CH. LILY-WHITE."
Owner, S. Newlove.

To face page 289.

PERUVIAN CAVIES 289

as you cannot expect to have satisfactory results if
you do.

The breeding stock should be kept apart from the
others, and their coats clipped to give them freedom and
comfort. Of course there is no harm, indeed it is per-
haps just as well to win a few prizes with those you
intend to use for breeding purposes, as it will enable you
to get good prices for their progeny, but when you have
commenced breeding with them it will be some time before
they are again fit for the show pen.

I have not found cavies as a rule much inclined for
drinking, apparently finding sufficient moisture in their
other food, but a little pure water put in their reach, in a
shallow pan of some kind, may be of service occasionally.

Although they will breed at a very early age, I am
not an advocate, especially in the case of Peruvians, for
allowing either sex to be used at the stud under eight or
nine months.

The time the does go with young often varies, but
may be taken at between sixty-five and seventy-five days ;
I have not known any less than the former, and very few
to exceed the latter.

The youngsters may remain with the doe for four or
five weeks, during at least part of which time they will
be found to take some of what they may find in their
pen besides their mother's milk. Of course the doe must
be well kept in condition both before and after the birth
of the litter, and I am in favour of lukewarm mashes,
bread and milk and crushed oats forming part of the daily
bill of fare, which will suit mother and offspring. As

290 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

soon as the youngsters are weaned, when the sexes should
be separated, they should have as much nourishing food
as they will eat, not waste , and in this connection I may
advise any novices amongst my readers to get some of
the little pans with turned-in edges, which can be obtained
at the shops where rabbit and cage birds' food stuffs are
sold. As a rule they prevent the food being upset,
and are easily kept clean, being of glazed ware, and will
last for years.

I do not think I need say more in a general way about
the Peruvians, except to give my views as to what they
should be like.

The head should be broad in muzzle, rather long and
Roman-nosed in face from forehead to nose, the face and
head almost covered with the fall of hair over the fore-
head.

The eyes large, full and brilliant, generally dark in colour,
though an exception is sometimes found in pure white
specimens ; but I prefer a dark eye even in such cases.

The body should be long and wide, this being im-
portant as giving a better carriage to the coat and adding
to the grandeur of the specimen.

The coat should be as long as possible everywhere, at
the sides it should at least touch the ground, at the back
it should lie on the ground behind the animal, and at the
the head it should come well over the face.

The texture of the coat is very important, this should
be soft and silky to the touch, not hard and coarse as is
sometimes seen.

The colour, while I prefer a pure self, is not so

PERUVIAN CAVY, OTHER THAN SELF— " LORD SULTAN.
Great Prize Winner. Owner, C. H. Lane.

PERUVIAN CAVY, OTHER THAN SELF — " LADY IRENE."
Winner of many Prizes, etc. Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 291.

PERUVIAN CAVIES

291

material in this variety as in either of the others, as colour
classification is rarely given for them — blacks, blues, greys,
whites, yellows, or combinations of some of them, are
perhaps those most often seen, preferred by me in the
order named.

Condition and general appearance ; former firm and
plump without being fat, and latter with well-furnished
coat, free from mats or tangles.

Size as large as possible without coarseness. The
following is my own idea as to : —

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
PERUVIAN CAVIES

Head and covering thereto

Eyes .....

Body and shape

Coat as to length

Coat as to texture .

Colour .....

Condition and general appearance

Size

io Points
10 ,,
20 „

15 »

20 „

5 »

10 „
10 „

Total 100 Points

CHAPTER XXXIII

ABYSSINIAN CAVIES

I HAVE never been able to get reliable information that
this variety has any real connection with Abyssinia, nor
any reason for its being so called, as it is believed to
be, like its brethren, a native of Brazil, but has been
acclimatised and established as a distinct variety for some
years in this and other European countries.

It is thought to be the hardiest of the family,
although I think all cavies should be kept in some kind
of house or building, as they are very susceptible to wet
or cold, artificial heat is rarely necessary unless in very
severe weather.

Size is not nearly so important with Abyssinians as
with the other varieties ; indeed, the best I have ever bred
or seen have not been the largest, but of course, if the
other points can be obtained to anything approaching
perfection, a large specimen would be preferable to a
small one.

The most difficult feature to procure is a really harsh
coat, so many failing in this respect, and although many
means of artificially improving an otherwise defective

292

ABYSSINIAN CAVY— UCH. BOSCO."
Well-known Winner. Owner, J. Thompson.

ABYSSINIAN CAVY — " CH. HULL LADY."
Owner, J. Thompson.

To face page 293.

ABYSSINIAN CAVIES 293

specimen have been adopted, I think it may be said of
them, as we are told about poets, " they must be born, not
made."

Only secondary to the texture of the coat comes the
question of rosettes, which, for the information of any
novices amongst my readers, I may explain, are little
circular stars of hair, each distinct and prominent, about
the size of a florin, or larger, and dotted about all over
the little animals' head and body, giving a rumpled and
hair-brushed-the-wrong-way effect, and with short bristly
hair about the face and lips, making it look what it
certainly is not, a most savage and ferocious little brute.

Although I think there are more breeders of these
than of Peruvians, partly because they do not require so
much space and are less trouble to keep in order, I con-
sider they are prejudiced by being at the great majority
of shows thrown into competition with them, it being so
often that the classification is merely " Rough and
Smooth Cavies," when a Peruvian stands a good chance
of being put over an Abyssinian, unless the judge is a 'keen
fancier of cavies, as well as of the other descriptions of
<c Fur " coming under his judicial functions.

Questions of colour are, as I said about the Peruvians,
not deemed so important in this variety ; for my own
part, I prefer pure self or tortoiseshell to any other
shades, but, as the right sort of coat and a good distribu-
tion of rosettes are so much the hardest points to obtain,
the best-coloured specimens would have to stand back
unless they were also good in those respects. This
variety requires little preparation or grooming, it being

294 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

sufficient to use an ordinary hair brush to brush the coats
all over, then going through each of the rosettes with a
small short-haired brush, a tooth brush for choice.

In all kinds of fancy stock, although a chance bred
specimen may turn out a " star " it is the exception and
not the rule, and I am sure it is the wiser course, and
cheapest in the end, for any intending fanciers to start
with well-bred animals.

I by no means advise, unless money is no object and
it is wished to quickly " gain the top of the tree " to give
long prices for noted winners, but to commence by buy-
ing two or three well-bred sows from some reliable
breeder of reputation, and sending them to some stud
boar known as the sire of good stock, or, if preferred,
getting the young sows from one breeder and a young
boar from another, as I am not an advocate for inbreeding
with any kind of stock where possible to avoid it.

By this method, with patience and perseverance, there
is every prospect of breeding something worth showing.
One advantage with this variety, as I said of Dutch
Rabbits, is that it can be ascertained when the litter is
quite young which of them are good enough to be worth
keeping, so that a number of " wastrels " can be got rid
of to the advantage of those retained and reduction of
expenses for keep.

I am not supposing prize-winners would be bought
in the way mentioned above, but if they are well bred
from pedigree stock, and themselves typical, there is
•every likelihood of their breeding something good.

In selection, I should choose sows possessing plenty

ABYSSINIAN CAVY—" FLORENCE SECOND."
Winner numerous Prizes, etc. Owner, J. Thompson.

ABYSSINIAN CAVY — "LAUREL LEOPOLD.
Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 295.

ABYSSINIAN CAVIES 295

of size and type ; and a boar with those points strongly
developed which are most deficient in the sows, such as
well-moustached face, bright or well-distributed colours,
or abundance of rosettes ; but rely on hardness of coat
and size, and brilliancy of the eyes, as features in the
sows likely to be transmitted to their progeny.

What I said as to the age of those intended to be used
for breeding purposes, and the mode of feeding both
adults and young, when dealing with Peruvians, will, I
think, be equally applicable to this variety, and need not be
repeated here.

I advocated straw as bedding for the former, but I
think peat moss as good as anything for Abyssinians ; I
am not in favour of it for Peruvians, because when it gets
wet I fancy it has a tendency to stain the ends of their
long coat, and render them unsightly, more especially those
wholly white, or with yellow and white, or with either of
those shades as the main features in their colours.

Abyssinians are usually active, bright little creatures
and should have roomy hutches ; a number of young
boars or sows may be run together if they are found
to agree, but not mixed sexes after five or six weeks
old.

In genial weather they will greatly enjoy a few hours
in a wirecl-in pen without bottom, only sides and tops to it,
placed on a grass plot, and they will amuse themselves by
nibbling the grass as if cut with a lawn mower, and be
all the better for the change and fresh air.

With these, as with all other live stock, it is most
important to have regular times of feeding and stick to

296 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

them ; to give as much at a time as it is found they will
consume, and frequently change some items in the
dietary, however palatable they may be.

When once the correct texture of coat has been
obtained, and a good supply of rosettes, breeders can
please themselves as to the colours they may wish to go
in for, which can be done chiefly by care and selection
in mating, and very interesting results often arise.

I think perhaps I have said enough about this variety
in a general way, and will now give my ideas as to their
general appearance : —

The head should be large, broad and strong, well
furnished with short harsh hair of as standing-off character
as possible, and with the same sort on forehead, between
eyes, over lips and under chin. The eyes should be bold,
prominent and shiny ; the ears rather large than small,
with a downward droop to their edges.

The body should be broad and deep in shoulders and
chest, somewhat cobby and square in hind quarters.

The coat should be hard and wiry all over the body,
with as many rosettes as possible, each complete in itself
and distinctly formed.

The condition firm and plump without fat, which is
apt to cause softness of coat, and general appearance
fierce, bristling and bellicose to a ludicrous degree.

The colour is better if Self, Tortoiseshell or Tortoise-
shell and White, but a specimen well resetted and with a
harsh coat will have a good chance, whatever its colour.

Size is not so important as quality ; perhaps most of
the best pigs ever seen have not exceeded three pounds

ABYSSINIAN CAVIES

297

in weight, but I remember two brothers I bred and took
many prizes with, almost exact counterparts of each other,
who were about that weight.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING
ABYSSINIAN CAVIES

Head and furnishing ....

Body and shape ....

Coat as to texture ....

Rosettes, number and form

Condition and appearance .

Colour ......

Size, about two and a half to three pounds

io Points

10 ,,

30 »

20 „

!5 »

IO ,,

5 »

Total 100 Points

CHAPTER XXXIV

BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES

THESE, which are far more often called English, or even
merely Smooth Cavies, are, strange to say, the most
correctly called of the three main divisions of cavies. For
while it is doubtful whether the Peruvians came from
Peru, almost certain that the Abyssinians did not come
from Abyssinia or even any part of the African
Continent, there is every probability that this variety
did come from Bolivia, and possibly the Peruvians and
Abyssinians also. Bolivia is a country in South America,
bounded on the north and east by Brazil, and is quite
adjacent to the districts from which many naturalists
and travellers assert all the Cavy family originally
came.

I mention the above for what it is worth, we know
that " a rose by any other name will smell as sweet," and
the little playmates of my childhood, then universally
known as Guinea Pigs, have not only acquired aristocratic
relations in the elegant long-coated Peruvians and the
fierce-looking, resetted Abyssinians, but have joined the
aristocratic clique by the fashionable practice of changing

298

BOLIVIAN OR SMOOTH CAVY, SELF— " CH. WHAT'S WANTED.'
Owners, Messrs Tee and Hanslip.

BOLIVIAN OR SMOOTH CAVY, SELF — " CH. DAISY."
Owner, F. W. Walker.

Tojacepage 298.

BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES 299

their old misnomer to that of " Bolivian Cavies," almost
equalling in its corresponding qualities the well-known
names of " Messopotamia " or the " poultry, potatoes,
prunes and prisms" in Dickens's delightful Little
Dorrit.

I believe I should speak within the mark if I said
there are more of this variety in the possession of breeders
and exhibitors than of the other two varieties put together,
not only because they are very little trouble to keep, but
from their greater variations in colour, and their several
subdivisions, upon which I propose to say a few words,
taking them roughly as, Self, Agouti, Tortoiseshell,
Tortoiseshell and White, Dutch-marked, and Any Other
Varieties.

BOLIVIAN SELF-COLOURED CAVIES

These, as far as I am aware, were unknown in the
early days of the fancy, and probably in the land of their
origin were seldom or ever seen, and the early
pioneers of the variety obtained prices that would make
some of our forebears rub their eyes if they heard of such
figures for a guinea pig. I think Blacks, Whites, Reds,
Creams and Browns are the Self most often seen, the first
three named especially so.

Of course, it is important there should not be even a
hair of any other shade than the body colour, and this
was for a long time the difficulty breeders had to contend
with.

300 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

Many a litter have I bred in the early days, and found
to my dismay, that the Blacks had a few red hairs ; the
Whites with a small black spot or smudge on the forehead,
or perhaps one of the feet ; the Reds develop a white
star on the face ; or the Creams and Browns have a dash
of yellow somewhere.

But breeders have a much easier task before them now,
as there are plenty of the assured strains of the different
Self colours from which to work, and in consequence
the youngsters can be obtained on very reasonable
terms.

I sent out some time since a large batch of breeding
stock — Bolivian Blacks, Reds and Agoutis, and some
Abyssinians — to a nephew in Kansas, U.S. A., from which he
has bred hundreds of well-bred youngsters, and I have
since had many letters from him, saying that he has been
able to " sweep the board " at all the shows in his part of
the country, and had sold hundreds of his stock to other
fanciers.

I shall give with this sketch some illustrations of
well-known winners amongst Selfs which will give an idea
of their appearance.

I will give a brief description of the several points
desired in a perfect specimen, which will apply to all the
Bolivian specimens, as the subdivisions I have referred to
are mainly questions of colour.

The head should be large, without "stop," the line
from the forehead to the nose with an outward curve,
forming what is commonly known as a Roman nose.

The ears turned over at upper edge, fairly

SMOOTH, SELF — " CH. BLACK BESS."
Owner, A. Foster.

To face page 300.

SMOOTH, SELF— "BLACK BOY.
Owner, C. H. Lane.

BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES 301

large, but with a graceful carriage and nearly bare
of hair.

The eyes almost round, with slightly oval eyelids, large-
sized and brilliant in expression.

The neck so short as almost to be absorbed in the deep
wide shoulders.

The back broad, well filled out and substantial, with
hardly perceptible drop between the shoulders and latter
end.

The hind quarters strong and well formed.

The coat should be plentiful, but short and glossy in
appearance and soft to the feel.

The condition should be hard and firm, not fat,
and the appearance dignified, stately and contented-
looking.

The colour according to the subdivision in which they
are entered, without intermixture of the shades.

The size as large as obtainable without coarseness.

BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH AGOUTI CAVIES

The Agoutis may be subdivided into golden and
grey, some are in favour of one, others of the other
shade.

For my part, I like them both very much and have
had many of each sort ; but I expect you would see ten
of the former to one of the latter.

The golden should be a rich golden yellow under-
neath, with black ticking all over the head, body and

302 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

even legs and feet, the belly being usually of the golden
yellow only.

Great advances have been made in the last fourteen
years — when I think the first of this colour made their
appearance — not only in the colour and ticking, but in the
size ; the forerunners of the beautiful little creatures now
seen being mean and snipy in heads, mixed and blurred in
colour, and wanting in size and dignity.

The greys should be a beautiful silvery grey under
coat, with black tickings throughout in the same way as
the golden, making much the same shade as is associated
with a little animal many of my readers may have seen,
known as the ichneumon, and which has the reputation of
being a terrible foe to alligators by eating their eggs and
young ones when it can meet with either. Both the
Agoutis are very popular, and at shows where they have
not a class to themselves, a good specimen is often a hard
nut to crack in a class of mixed colours of Smooth
cavies or in Any Other Variety classes, as they have quite
a distinctive style of their own, and command attention
from all genuine cavy fanciers.

BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH TORTOISESHELL CAVIES

The Tortoiseshell, as may be gathered from its name,
should have but three colours — red, black and yellow ;
but anyone looking at a class of them would be surprised
to see how many changes may be rung upon them.

The several marks or patches making up the shade
should join but not mix, and the more separate marks

SMOOTH GOLDEN AGOUTI CAVY — " CH. KING OF THE YUKON.'''
Owners, Messrs Wright and Ford.

SMOOTH GOLDEN AGOUTI CAVY— "SISTER LAURA."
Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 302

SMOOTH GREY AGOUTI CAVY — " GREYFRIAR."
Owner, C. H. Lane.

SMOOTH TORTOISESHELL CAVY — " CH. SUREFOOT.'
Owner, J. Thompson.

To face page 302.

BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES 303

there are the better the specimen will be, at anyrate in
colour, and some breeders assert that a downright good
Tortoiseshell is as hard to produce as any kind of cavy of
the Bolivian tribe.

I cannot say that the breeders of Tortoiseshells have
had much encouragement in their hobby, as when with
infinite pains they have produced a fair specimen it has
often been thrown out, on the ground that it did not
come up to the ideal fixed by the National Cavy Club, by
having slight tints of colours other than the three named.

I do not mean white, for that of course must be
tabooed for the sake of the Tortoiseshell and Whites, which
have an extensive following, and are often very beautiful
little creatures. But such shades as brown or brindle,
which sufficiently harmonise, if present in a slight degree
only, with the other colours, so as not to spoil the general
effect of the whole.

No doubt perfectly-marked Tortoiseshells are rare, and
when seen should be made a note of ; but with the vast
army of breeders at work in this and other countries I
am not at all in despair about them, indeed I have had
some more than fair specimens before me to judge in
1902, and hope their owners were satisfied that, their
merits - received due recognition, as only those who have
attempted to breed them can appreciate the difficulties to
be overcome and the number of litters which have to be
produced before one appears which is likely to fill the
eye of the judge. Knowing what has been accomplished
in the last fifteen years, I am not despondent of seeing
the Tortoiseshell problem solved.

3o4 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE
CAVIES

I believe if the public, apart from cavy fanciers or
those interested in them as breeders or exhibitors, were
asked which colour they admired most of all in the
Bolivian or English classes, the majority would declare in
favour of this variety, as they are often very pleasing in
appearance.

I have little or no doubt they are easier to breed of
good quality than either Tortoiseshells or Agoutis, but
they are regarded with so much favour by many judges
that a good tricolour is very often seen in the money in'
mixed classes.

Although, according to the standard, three colours only
are supposed to be allowed, many I think will be found
with four, namely red, black, yellow, or brown, and
white, and I am not at all sure this is not as they should
be, as blacks, reds, yellows and browns are certainly
found in true tortoiseshell, from which they derive the
first part of their name, and the same holds good in
respect to tortoiseshell cats, whether long or short
haired.

I suppose an ideal specimen should have a consider-
able preponderance of tortoiseshell to a limited amount of
white in its markings, but although the patches of each
join, they should be clear and distinct, without inter-
mixture.

Say a tortoiseshell head with white blaze and chin,
white chest, one or more white patches on body ; belly,

SMOOTH TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE CAVY— " CH. LADY SARAH.'
Owner, J. H. Lilley.

SMOOTH TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE CAVY— " CH. ELEGANCE.
Owner, J. S. James.

To face page 304.

SMOOTH TORTOISESHELL CAVY — " SIR LUCIUS."
Owner, C. H. Lane.

SMOOTH TORTOISESHELL AND WHITE CAVY — " CH. GALTEE MORE."
Owners. Messrs Bousfield Brothers.

To face page 304.

BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES 305

legs and feet partially white ; ears dark, and general
effect and mingling of the colours forming a harmonious
whole.

I think the original " guinea pigs" were more like
this variety than any other colour, and this probably
arose from the indiscriminate mating amongst them in
a wild state of nature.

Probably those who had no experience of cavy breeding
might suppose it would be easy enough to produce this
variety with a white or only partially-marked boar and a
tortoiseshell sow, but I am assured by others, in confirma-
tion of my own experience, that the best specimens have'
not been produced in this way, as it is found in the
majority of cases that too great preponderance of the
colour of the one or the other of the parents in the colour
of the offspring is the result.

Of course it is advisable, whatever materials are used,
to ascertain the antecedents of the pigs to be mated, and,
if they come of well-marked stock, as, even if closely
related in blood, the effects of this may be corrected by
an after outcross, securing the advantages of inherited
markings and avoiding the risk of loss of constitution by
the inbreeding.

As I have said elsewhere in these sketches, I
am not in favour of inbreeding as a rule, in any
kind of live stock breeding, but sometimes it has to be
adopted where some marked characteristic must be pre-
served, even if it is to be corrected by outcrossing
afterwards.

I think the variety under notice has had considerable

u

306 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

success of late years, and I shall give illustrations of some
of those which have taken honours under many of our
judges, which will convey a better impression of what
Tortoiseshell and Whites should be like than any more
lengthy descriptions of the variety on my part ; but I
think it offers a wide field for experiment on the part of
breeders, as to the best method of producing the desired
combination cf colours in order to introduce more prize-
winners at our shows.

BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH DUTCH-MARKED CAVIES

This is another variety of comparatively recent date,
and one entailing patience and skill on(the part of breeders ;
but I think their efforts have met with much success, as
I have been surprised to see how many very fairly-marked
specimens have appeared in the pens.

Of course the ideal pig is one marked in the same
way as a Dutch Rabbit should be, but although what is
commonly known as " a Sabbath day's journey " would
have to be taken before meeting with one correct in all
points, there is no doubt that wonderful progress has been
made towards the desired result.

Colour must always be a matter of taste, and although,
as far as I have owned or seen, the best Dutch-marked
specimens have hitherto been red with white markings,
there is no reason why blacks or yellows should not be
produced equally good.

And as I think the best Dutch Rabbits I have ever

*1P

AW J£W£i

SMOOTH CAVY, ANY OTHER COLOUR — " LORD PIEBALD."
Owner, C. H. Lane.

SMOOTH CAVY, ANY OTHER COLOUR—" LORD BLAZE."
Owner, C. H. Lane.

To face page 306

BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES 307

seen have been black with white markings, so I should
prefer cavies with the same colours, to any others, if the
markings were correctly placed.

As I said of the last variety, so I may repeat of this,
that it affords scope for experimental breeding ; although
on the ground of like producing like, I should advise
having one, if not both, of the parents with a marked
tendency to Dutch mode of colouring ; but if not obtain-
able on both sides, choose it with the dam as likely to
produce type and shape, leaving depth of colour, etc., to
the sire.

The illustrations will give fair representations of some
of the best specimens I have been able to secure, to show
what has been achieved in the production of prize-winners
in this variety already.

BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES ANY OTHER VARIETY

As I have in the foregoing sketches lightly touched
on most of the varieties usually provided with classes even
at the larger shows, all the rest must come into this
category.

Perhaps with the exception of Brindles, which for
some reason or other do not seem to be holding the place
in public favour accorded to them some years since, the
others may be almost termed the misfits of those already
noticed.

It is difficult if not impossible to summarise all the
various types seen in Any Other Variety classes, as they are

308 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES

made up of a mixture of every kind of colour and
marking known in cavydom.

As in other kinds of live stock, it is always a very
unsatisfactory class for judges and exhibitors ; in the case
of the former it is best to look for the winners amongst
those that approach the nearest to the type to which they
seem to belong ; and with the latter to refrain from
entering at all, unless the specimen, irrespective of colour,
is well shaped and typical as a cavy, and has some dis-
tinctive character in its markings, as piebald, skewbald, all
white with a black, red or yellow head, or some unusual
feature of that kind likely to draw attention to its merits,
such as they may be. I have seen a red or a black with
a white blaze only, win in such a class, indeed have
more than once taken prizes with such a specimen, but
entering in this class must necessarily be more of a
lottery than even the usual vicissitudes of an exhibitor's
life.

As I have already given a brief description of the
several qualities desired to obtain a near approach to per-
fection with these little animals, and my ideas about the
several subdivisions into which they are sometimes classi-
fied, and have already mentioned in the case of the
Peruvians what I have found suitable in the way of food,
housing and mating, which will mainly apply to all the
Cavy family, I need only add a scale giving my views
as to the value of the several points suggested in these
slight sketches of what has become such a popular
section of the fancy with a great number of people at
home and abroad.

'

:
v

SMOOTH DUTCH-MARKED CAVY— " CH. KLONDYKE."
Owner, J. Blackburn-

SMOOTH DUTCH-MARKED CAVY — " CH. MONARCH."
Owner, J. H. Lilley.

To face page 308.

BOLIVIAN OR ENGLISH CAVIES

309

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR JUDGING BOLIVIAN
OR ENGLISH CAVIES

Head

Eyes ....

Coat ....

Shape

Colour

Condition and appearance

Size

10 Points

10 „

20 „

'5 »

20 „

10 „

15 »

Total 100 Points

INDEX

ABYSSINIAN Cats, 203
„ Cavies, 292

Agouti Cavies, 301

Anecdotes about Cats, 226

Angora Rabbits, 88

Any Other Colour Long-haired Cats, 159
, , Short-haired Cats, 2 1 8

„ Smooth Cavies, 307

BELGIAN Hare Rabbits, 30
Black Cats, Long-haired, 134

,, ,, Short-haired, 161

,, and Tan Rabbits, 48

, , and White Cats, Short-haired, 1 86
Blue Cats, Long-haired, 137

„ ,, Short-haired, 166

„ and Tan Rabbits, 49
Bolivian Cavies, Self-coloured, 299
,, Agouti, 301
,, Any Other Coloured,

307

,, Dutch-marked, 306
,, Tortoiseshell, 302
,, Tortoiseshell and

White, 304

CATS,

Anecdotes about, 226
Long-haired, Any Other Colour,

159

Black, 134
,, Blue, 137

,, Brown Tabby, 144

,, Chinchilla, 142

,, Cream - coloured,

139

,, Orange Tabby, 150

„ Red Tabby, 150

,, Silver Tabby, 147

,, Smoke, 153

,, Tortoiseshell, 156

White, 131

Cats, Short-haired, Abyssinian, 203
„ ,, Any Other Colour,

218

,, ,, Black, 161

,, ,, Black and White,

1 86

„ Blue, 1 66

„ Brown Tabby, 175

„ Indian, 211

,, Manx, 199

,, Mexican Hairless,

209
„ ,, Narrow - striped

Tabby, 181

,, ,, Red Tabby, 169

,, ,, Siamese, 205

,, ,, Silver Tabby, 172

5j • > Smoke, 184

,, ,, Spotted Tabby, 178

,» ,, Tabby and White,

191

» » Tortoiseshell, 194

» >? 5> and

White, 196

,, >, White, 163

» » ., and Black,

187

„ Wild, 213
Cavies, Abyssinian, 292
„ Bolivian Smooth, 298
„ Peruvian, 285
Concluding Remarks about Rabbits, 1 18

DUTCH-MARKED Cavies, 306
„ Rabbits, 83

ENGLISH Rabbits, 93

FEW Words on Cats in General, 220
Flemish Giant Rabbits, 72

HIMALAYAN Rabbits 77

312

INDEX

JAPANESE Rabbits, 58

INDIAN Cats, 211
Introductory, 3

LONG-HAIRED Cats, 131
Lop-eared Rabbits, 21

MANX Cats, 199

Mexican Hairless Cats, 209

NARROW-STRIPED Tabby Cats, 181

PATAGONIAN Rabbits, 53
Peruvian Cavies, 285
Polish Rabbits, 62

RABBITS, Angora, 88
„ Belgian Hare, 30
Black and Tan, 48
Blue and Tan, 49
Dutch, 83
English, 93
Flemish Giants, 72
Himalayan, 77
Japanese, 58
Lop-eared, 21
Patagonian, 53
Polish, 62
Siberian, 68
Silver Brown, 113
„ Fawn, 1 08
„ Grey, 98
Red Tabby Long-haired Cats, 150
„ Short-haired Cats, 169

SHORT-HAIRED Cats, 161
Siamese Cats, 205
Siberian Rabbits, 68
Silver Brown Rabbits, 113

„ Fawn Rabbits, 108

,, Grey Rabbits, 98

,, Tabby Long-haired Cats, 147

,, „ Short-haired Cats, 172
Smoke Long-haired Cats, 153

„ Short-haired Cats, 184
Spotted Tabby Short-haired Cats, 178

TABBY, Long-haired, Brown, 144
„ „ Orange, 150

„ Red, 150

„ ,, Silver, 147

„ Short-haired, Brown, 175
„ „ Narrow - striped,

181

„ „ Red, 169

» » Silver, 172

„ „ Spotted, 178

„ „ and White, 191

Tortoiseshell Bolivian Cavies, 298
„ Long-haired Cats, 156

,, Short-haired Cats, 194

,, and White Short-haired

Cats, 196

, , and White Bolivian Cavies,

304

WHITE and Black Short-haired Cats,

187

,, Long-haired Cats, 131
„ Short-haired Cats, 163

Wild Cats, British, 213

THE END

Colston &• Coy. Limited, Printers, Edinburgh.

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